Care-A-Van Ministries

It was found out Saturday evening that the Genesee Cougars Men's Basketball team has a new star player. Sign him up folks, Batavia's own Paul Ohlson, founder of Care-A-Van Ministries! It seemed Pastor Dale Gooch of the Emmanuel Baptist church was negotiating the deal.

I just could not resist sharing this breaking news! Ok, well maybe it is just his dream,, to be a star basketball player  but the reality of it all is that the vision of Care-A-Van Ministries is strong and truly is a key player in bringing hope and encouragement to all.

On Saturday evening Care-A-Van Ministries was at GCC for our annual Fall cookout.

We served over 150 students at the cookout. It was a great night out! Many of the students remembered Care-A-Van from last year with our monthly visits to the  door rooms with treats and prayers. This group of young men joined us for the cookout.

Debbie Crossett of the GCC CSU ( Christian Students United) was on hand to lend her support and provide information for the students in regards to the opportunity of becoming involved with that campus organization.

Patti Chadwick of the Reading Room, located here in Batavia set up a table and offered free books to the students while her huband John was busy cooking on the grill.

It just amazes this PR director how Bridget, Paul's wife does all the cooking for the weekly cookouts.

Dave Holenbeck and Ron Mazulla provided entertaining music for all.

Care-A-Van Ministries will be returning the campus on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 for street church, where Pastor Dale will give the message.

Thank you to everyone who made this evening possible and thank you to the students for such a warm reception. As the bus pulled away, the team was busy on the practicing on the outdoor court. I just had to holler out Go Cougars! You may just want to catch one of their games in this upcoming season, I am sure you will not be dissapointed!

These young gals enjoy the evening on the hillside

Ok, to set the record straight, it was not your typical party that was happening on Thorpe Avenue tonight. No it was a party of fun, hope and encouragement. It was the Care-A-Van Ministries weekly cookout.  The Care-A-Van band was rocking the neighborhood with their lively music.

We got busted by our own editor of the Batavian, Howard Owens and his friendly watchdog (Howard forgive me, I could not remember how to spell his name!)

Howard being the awesome editor and reporter was out for a walk and thought he would stop by and see what all the commotion was about. It was great meeting Howard face to face, after all of these months of blogging on his online newspaper.

Care-A-Van served dinner to approximately 50 folks tonight. Of course the kids loved the ice cream cones! We are happy to report that the best part of the night was when 4 people received salvation tonight, by asking Jesus into their hearts !

We go forth to not only bring them physical food, but spiritual food as well. We let them all know that God has a plan for them,  a plan to prosper them not harm them, a plan to give them a future and a hope.

Thanks Howard for stopping by! It was great meeting you and being able to give you a tour of the bus and to share of the ministry with you.

We will be returning to Thorpe Avenue on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PMfor a street church service.  Our own Mike Grasso of the Assembly of God will be giving the message.

Little Briana even joined in for singing with the band:

This past Saturday, the Sons of God Motocycle Club of Leroy  held a Chicken Barbeque Dinner fundraiser.

At the end of day, they had 100 extra  dinners. They made a call to Paul and Bridget Ohlson of Care-A-Van Ministries here in Batavia. They wanted to donate the dinners.

Paul and Bridget fired up the bus to head out to Leroy to pick up the dinners. The bus headed back to Batavia, first stopping in Stafford to bless a family there.

A quick stop was done at Aldi's to pick up this PR director, so I could join in on the blessing ride.

It was an amazing evening as we drove around the city passing the dinners out to those in need.

We thank the Sons of God for their awesome donation for the hungry here in this community. The folks were so appreciative of the dinners they received. May God Bless this organization for seeing a need and helpiing fulfull that need.

Care-A-Van Ministries of Batavia in Partnership with Dr. Russ Marchese and Dr. Marcela and staff along with local agencies hosted Caring for the City on Friday.

It all started as a vision last fall and became a reality today. The parking lot of the dental office was filled with local agencies, churches and the dentist office coming together to let the people of Batavia know that they care.

Working side by side with Care-A-Van and the Dental office were Lake Plains Community Network who were on hand to help the uninsured apply for health insurance, Cornell Cooperative Extension who offered parenting and nutrition classes, United Memorial Medical Center Cancer Services of Genesee and Orleans County who made the uninsured women aware of the free medical services available and Continental School of Beauty who’s teaching staff and students offered free haircuts.

Pastor Charlie Piscitello, his wife Judy of Batavia Christian Fellowship and Pastor Mark Perkins of Oakfield-Alabama Baptist were on the grounds for prayer support and to offer encouragement to all. 

Janet Stedman of United Memorial Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehab staff was busy on the bus doing medical screenings and blood pressure checks.

Care-A-Van Ministries is a street ministry that goes into the streets of Batavia to show the people we care and to take the good news of Jesus to them. We do weekly cookouts, street church on Sundays and grocery distribution every Saturday.  It was proven today that street ministry is not just for churches. Agencies, physician offices and organizations can and do make a huge difference in people’s lives.  

Today free dental services were given to over 50 people! The people coming out were offered tooth extractions, fillings and cleanings. With today’s economy and many people being without dental insurance, today was a huge blessing to many. Upon exiting the dental office, one woman was in tears of joy because she got her smile back! Another young man who had no dental insurance had 2 teeth pulled. As he was given a ride home, he was crying and saying it was the best birthday present ever! He had been in pain for months with his bad teeth. He felt so much relief after receiving his free services.

Continental School of Beauty gave over 30 free haircuts today.

One young man really touched everyone’s heart when he stated “I may look rough on the outside but I am not that way on the inside”.  Wow, think about that, how many of us might have judged someone for the way they look. 

Today was an awesome day for Caring in the City! Care-A-Van thanks everyone from the bottom of their hearts for partnering with them and the dental office to care for those in need. Jesus said the poor would always be with you. We invite all of you to come on board with Care-A-Van as we go out weekly. There are many opportunities for your churches and agencies go to forth and let the people know that they are cared for and not forgotten. We also invite all of you to next year’s Caring for the City Day!

God Bless and Keep the Light On!

Robin Walters

Public Relations Director

Care-A-Van Ministries

More photos to come- all patients agreed to photos for sharing

Dr. Russ and Son RJ attend to patient

Dr. Marcela checking patient out

Tonight was the final night for Northgate's Street Jam. It appeared everyone had a grand time at the closing carnival. Thanks again to Northgate for an awesome week on the streets!

Paul Ohlson, Founder of Care-A-Van chats with Robert Kurtz of the Salvation Army who was set up next to us.

I for one have always loved Anthony's and Rick's music!

Russ Cornman of Northgate is  the King

Mel Robinson and wife Amy of Northgate particpated on the drama team

Now that is one big bubble!

Patti Chadwick and Husband John Pass out free books to the kids

"Hey I got the ball in!"

Double the Fun!

Ok, I grew up in the hills of Pennsylvania and I got to tell you I never saw cabbage like this before! Care-A-Van was blessed this evening by local farmers ( I apologize I do not know which farmer)s donated corn for our cookout this evening  at East Main Street Parksite Apartments along with fresh cabbage ,  zuchini  and beets for  the folks to take home as well.  Thank you to these  farmers and all who help make a difference here in the city!  We will be back there Sunday afternoon at 2:30 for street church. 

Rick a volunteer with Care-A-Van cooks up the corn

Our Friend Larry and the kids sure did enjoy the ice cream

Are the kids driving you crazy in the evening? Are they full of energy that need to be put to a good use? Why not send them on over to Street Jam at Centennial Park.

Northgate is sponsoring Street Jam for all kids every night this week at the Park. They have been there all this week. It is not to late to send the kids on over. They will still be there Thursday night and Friday night from 6:00 pm until 8:00 PM. On Friday evening there will be a carnival. Everything is free!  There is praise and worship music, dramas, crafts, games and much more.

Care-A-Van has partnered with them in this endeavor. While the kids are having fun, stop by and have a fresh cup of coffee and just relax and enjoy the evening with us.

Great Job Northgate on providing fun and outreach to the kids of the community!

Oh to be young again and duck under a parachute!

The kids really enjoy craft time!

Rocking and Jamming with Jesus on opening worship time

Little ones learning how to pray to God

Everyone enjoys a good game of kickball

Care-A-Van is Always there because God cares and so do we

Asheesh Williams local songwriter and Rapper and 11 year old Douglas Shannon came out with Care-A-Van and shared their rapping talents Thursday night.

We are blessed to have more and more folks coming out to share their talents.

Meet Pearl Louria and Julia Burns, better known as the Happy Clippers. These two young women live at Washington Towers.  They took a tour of the bus this evening at National Night out. We had a great conversation. They shared with me that they have a group that clips coupons and they send them to the service men and women in Iraq. It seems the service people can use the coupons at the PX. They are also involved in a group called ummm. umm. well the Happy Hookers! They knit and crochet hats for the newborns at the local hospital. They also make lap blankets and many other items.

Isn't it awesome how the talents they have help serve others!  They could not keep a straight face when they told me the name... these ladies sure blessed us this evening with their visit.!

These young kids climbed aboard as well. Meet Vanessa Horseman, Kyliee Forsha and Dustin Forsha. I told them to smile pretty for all of you on the Batavian!

Got to love those Care-A-Van cookies!

Ok I admit it! I am a kid at heart! Of course I had to take in the face painting that was being done by the Girl Scouts! Here is my buddy Wes and I.

What an awesome night out ! I have never been to such an event before. I was really impressed! Thanks to all who organized the event!

Care-A-Van would like to thank Cornell Cooperative Extension Office for partnering with us to make a difference. The gals came out his past Saturday for grocery distribution at Batavia Gardens. They did a few home visits with folks while we were there and were able to set up follow up services for those in need

Elder Ron DeMena of the Prayer Room came out on Sunday to do the street church service at Sunset Motel. I just love Elder Ron! He is such a man of the Lord's wisdom. He sure does always look dapper too!

Pastor Charlie Piscitello and his wife Judy led the street church service at the 400 Towers. They have such a love for people and are such a talented couple

Thank you to all for partnering with us. Do you or your organization have a talent or service to share and would like to partner to make a difference? We welcome all of you to join us in making a difference here in the City.  We can be reached at 343-0328.

God Bless and Keep the Light On!

This Tuesday, Augst 4th is National Night Out here in Batavia at Austin Park. The event is being  held from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Pictured above is Lisa Barrett. She was out videotaping at a recent Care-A-Van event. I got the opportunity to catch up with her to hear her story of the song she will be singing at National Night out this week.

" I was sitting in St. Mary's Church listenting to Deacon Tom Casey's homily. He said some words that had a great impact on me. He said "we've all been given special talents, so go and share  your light with the wolrd." It was his words, together with my personal feelings on violence and the poor in the world, that inspired me to write the song. "Share Your Light".

The song has made great strides. It has been the theme song for National Night Out in Cheetowaga, NY in 2007 and again this year in Batavia.

"Share Your Light" is also a theme song for an event in Virgina Beach, VA called Share Your Light Night. The neighbors line their streets with  luminary bags to symbolize neighborhood unity and safe neighborhoods for kids. I have been the "ok" to start our very own Share Your Light in Batavia. Stay tuned for more information on this.

The song seems to appeal to secular and non -Secular organizations. Lisa had a minister email her that she wanted to play the song during the sermon. Another church in the D.C. district is interested in the song for a fundraising campagn for their church. They said the song so closely resembles their theme.

Lisa and her husband  Kyle and son Tyler are working on a music video for the "Share Your Light". They use to be neighbors of Paul and Bridget Ohlson from Care-A-Van Ministries years ago. When they started thinking of the video and showing people sharing their light, they instantly thought of Care-A-Van ministries and how they go forth to share the light. The video will include photos from the Virgina event and film footage from Care-A-Van Ministries. Care-A-Van was so honored to be a part of song and vision that will reach thousands of people.

Lisa also feels very honored to be singing at Austin Park. As she was inspired to start her songwriting upon the death of her nephew, who's name was Austin. Now does that give you the chills or what!

Be sure to join us all at Austin Park to hear this wonderful song and to celebrate the safety of our community. There are alot of fun events planned at the park including a Free Outside Family Movie.- Mall Cop.

In closing Lisa stated " I guess Deacon Tom was right. I shared my light.. and now the song is starting to reach across the world!

You can visit Lisa's website at www.lisabarrettcd.com

Also www.shareyourlightnight.blogspot.com for more on the Virgina event.

Best of Luck Lisa. God Bless and go forth and Share that Light!

As we say- Keep the Light On! - Care-A-Van Ministries

I also enjoyed her latest hit "Punchin' In Punchin" Out

Ok here is my first attempt at a You tube video.

Ron Jacobs known as Ronzoulla J to the music world came out with Care-A-Van tonight at our picnic at the Sunset Motel. He is a Christian songwriter/ singer. His family joined us tonight as well.

He was accompanied tonight by Rich Campbell, a member of our Care-A-Van Band.

Enjoy!

See Chris comment below for the video. until I can get Howard to help me put it here. . I tried to put it here and then it  would not allow me to edit it last nite? 

Hmmm

Thanks Chris

Care-A-Van was busy over the holiday week-end. Even with a holiday week-end among us, we keep going forth to share the good news.

We had grocery distribution Saturday at Batavia Gardens. We fed 8 families with 23 members. We returned to Park Road Senior Apartments for Street Church on Sunday. We had 11 folks attend to hear the message given by Pastor Tom Burns of the Morganville UC of Christ. We were there last Thursday for our weekly picnic and had 29 folks attend. Check out the pile of cookies given away at the Picnic in the Park! 

Last Thurdays picnic at the apartment complex

There were folks inside and out

Care-A-Van Band sings at the Picnic at Park Road Senior Apartments

Pastor Tom Burns giving the message

Inside at street church

Ok, so with all the holiday activity, I was cauught in the traffic on the 90 waiting to get home to be with Care-A-Van on Sunday afternoon. Spent the week-end with my family in Edinboro, PA. Come to find out it was the car that was on fire that was shown on another post.