Last week, over 200 Bay Area men and women gathered to celebrate CityTeam Ministries' five years of efforts focused on serving the homeless men, women, and children of San Francisco. CityTeam seeks to bring about spiritual life-transformation in the lives of the clients it serves through recovery programs, medical care, education and job placement.
Five men bravely told their story last week. All were inspiring, charismatic and hopeful about their future.
Tyrone Kelly grew up in South Carolina and has lived in the Bay Area for 7 months. His wife and children are living in South Carolina. He has worked for over 10 years for various computer-networking companies.
Don Collins grew up on the east coast. He worked for over 20 years as a manager in the elevator repair business. After participating in over 10 recovery programs, Don is optimistic and hopeful about graduating from CityTeam Ministries and living a spirit-filled life. He said, "I have learned to treat people with compassion." For the first time in twelve years he is attending church, regularly. He was especially appreciative about the impact CityTeam has had on not only him but his family.
Floyd Bland grew up in Concord, California and has been in the Bay Area for 23 years. He worked for three years at Electronic Arts. Since joining CityTeam Ministries, Floyd has been able to overcome his addiction and depression. This year, he is applying to two Bible colleges.
Ron Crawford is a member of the recovery leadership committee and leads a Bible study in the Hotel Sharon. Ron enjoys bringing the Good News to hotel residents who need hope and encouragement. His favorite passage is Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed.”
Robert McCaffrey grew up in Vacaville, California and has lived in the Bay Area for 36 years. He has been married and has a ten year-old son. He has worked for the past 20 years driving trucks and working construction. Since coming to CityTeam Ministries, Robert has completed 50% of the classes required to receive his high school diploma. Before graduating from CityTeam Ministries, Robert will receive his GED. He is excited about the future, mainly being reunited with his son and mother.
The take-away for those in attendance and our community-as-a-whole:
1) Get involved no matter how little or how much. From sharing your hand-me-downs with homeless children to dedicating an evening or an entire weekend day to the ministry.
2) There is hope in this city that we can help the homeless.
3) If we to choose to seize divine moments presented to us we create an environment where great things beyond our wildest dreams can happen.
CityTeam Ministries is changing San Francisco's 6th Street one addict at-a-time. Authorities estimate that around 8,000 people are living totally devastated lives. They've lost all hope of ever having a better life. But CityTeam's residential recovery program is helping people who have been homeless to find hope and healing as they rectify the past and prepare for a better future.
San Francisco CityTeam City Director, Shirley Pounds believes that one of the driving forces behind the success of their ministry is prayer. To support their high impact programs her fellow leaders are building a team of prayer partners.
They also need to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support their crisis services and residential recovery program. Last Wednesday's L.I.F.E. Breakfast enabled CityTeam to raise a portion of their annual budget. But more financial help is needed.
To learn more about CityTeam Ministries in San Francisco, go to: CityTeam.org/SanFrancisco
If you are looking to get plugged into a high impact program that changes lives "forever," please call 415.861.8687 or email: sanfrancisco@cityteam.org
A few of the ways you can make a difference in the lives of the poor and homeless who are less fortunate:
1) Clean your closets - CityTeam is in need of men, women and children's clothing - even baby clothes. The men in their shelter and recovery program are in need of casual and work clothes. All sizes of women's clothing are needed - even maternity clothes. And children's clothes are especially needed - poor and homeless children go to school in torn or dirty clothes. New or used clothes really make a difference in self esteem.
2) Consider donating unused furniture - Items such as refrigerators, beds, dressers, dinette sets, and kitchen ware are also greatly needed.
3) Become an intern in San Jose - Jump in with both feet to partner with experienced staff as they minister to homeless and addicted men. Through chapel services, coffee house & street ministries, counseling and networking, interns join in “feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.” Interns learn how to apply biblical principles to conflict resolution, boundaries and codependence to achieve rehabilitation and restoration. Due to housing arrangements, males, 21 years or older only should apply. Two positions are currently available.
4) Donate your time to support CityTeam Minisitries "hands-on" programs.
5) Inform your friends about the Development Officer position that is available in San Francisco. This officer shall implement CityTeam’s major donor development strategy to secure current and deferred major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations. Resumes can be faxed to 408.453.3295.
Inspire & Be Inspired.
~Jennifer King
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