Leadership Award: Dr. Lalit Jain, Volunteer Service Award: Dr. Russell Marchese, Caring Community Award: Medina Area Association of Churches, Business of the Year Award: Tully's Good Time Restaurants, School Recognition Award: Kendall Elementary 5th Grade Team, Dove Youth Award: Maura Chmielowiec, Criminal Justice Award: Edwin Mileham, Special Recognition Award: Chuck Kron, and, Directors Award: Robert Balbick.

Each award recipient is working in their own way to improve the health of our community.  The Annual Awards Dinner is a celebration of their efforts.

To make a reservation call Pamela LaGrou, Communications/Development Director at 815-1803 or plagrou@gcasa.org.  Tickets cost $30 per person.

Happy Thursday from Care-A-Van! There truly has been a lot of “fire” on the bus lately!

We just got back from a four day road trip to Elizabeth, New Jersey and New York City.

Our trip to partner with NY City Relief Bus, the Hope Center and Street Light Mission truly was a blessed time! I could write all night! I will be sharing our stories with you throughout the next few weeks! I bet I could write a best seller of what God has done in his kingdom this past week.  We all came back burning with more passion to go forth and serve the lost and hurting here in Batavia.

On the way home coming down 86, Paul said he smelled something hot. I truly thought it was the souls burning up with how God put us on fire. But in all reality, there was smoke coming from the converter. Well of course, this PR director panicked and wanted off immediately! Thank goodness we had our mechanic PJ on the bus; he checked it all out, while I and some of the team members stood in the field and prayed that God would take care of it. Sure enough the smoke stopped and all was good to go! That darn devil, he thought he was going to win, but praises to God all was taken care of and we were able to roll on into Batavia.

We headed to the streets tonight in our hometown. The bus was filled with activity. God gave groceries to 10 families, fed homemade chicken casserole to many kids and parents, did some home visits to families in need and just blessed the whole neighborhood.

Thank you for your prayers for our safety and our protection while we were gone.

All of your prayers not only blessed us but thousands of souls in Elizabeth, New Jersey and New York City! Now how awesome is that! Stay tuned for more of God’s news from the streets of Batavia and the 700 plus mile road trip he took Care-A-Van ministries on!

You will normally find me writing of the most recent events of Care-A-Van Ministries, a street ministry here in Batavia, New York. But tonight, my heart tugged at me to sit down at the computer and just write.

My prompting this evening came after I watched the news and heard of the possible suicide of David Kellerman, CFO of Freddie Mac. First of all, I had no idea what Freddie Mac was until after I watched this and learned it was a mortgage company.

I thought to myself what in the world prompted this suicide? What was he thinking? What was he feeling? Did he feel despondent with no hope? Then the next news flash was of a male teacher in a local high school that was charged with sexual involvement with a student. The next flash was of a female teacher that was charged with sexual involvement with a 14 year old boy. Then to top it all of was the news that the FDA approved that it was going to make it so the morning after pill Plan B can be purchased over the counter by minors.

How Does Plan B® Work?
Plan B® (levonorgestrel) may prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from a woman's ovary, or it may prevent fertilization. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. "
Source: http://www.go2planb.com/ForConsumers/AboutPlanB/HowItWorks.aspx

“Proponents of "emergency contraception," as well as the Preven and Plan B websites, contend that emergency contraception does not cause abortion. They argue that emergency contraception prevents pregnancy and thereby reduces the need for induced abortion. However, they intentionally define the term "pregnancy" as implantation of a fertilized egg in the lining of a woman's uterus, as opposed to "pregnancy" beginning at fertilization.”

All of this news just made me sick to my stomach. I thought to myself, what in the world is this world coming to? Why did it have to come to this point for this young man? What happened in these teachers lives that led them to the behaviors they had? What is wrong with our government that they are putting this pill out on the market available to minors?

I sat and wondered who was close to this man? Who may have seen or felt his pain and frustration in life? Were there Christians close to him that could have reached out to let him know that no matter what happens in life there is hope? Hope you ask? Yes hope.  Even with the billons of dollars that was lost for this company, there is hope. This mortgage company and many others have really made it hard for folks. But I bet, for those who have a true faith, they know that no matter what happens, God will provide.

If you are a reading this and God has brought you through some horrible trials and tribulations, you know there is hope. What has happened in your life? What horrible thing have you gone through and survived? Were you once a victim of sexual assault? Did you once have an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, porn or anything else and you overcame it? Did you lose your job but were able to get your life restarted?  Are you sharing your story with others to give them hope?

Do you see your neighbor or co-worker struggling with something in life? Are you going forth and making a difference? Are you doing even the smallest of things to help? Yes even a smile and a hug can make a huge difference. Are you just rushing by people on the street and not even looking into their eyes?

Are you complaining about the youth on your streets? Or are you doing something to encourage them to live a healthy life free of drugs and alcohol? Are you supportive of any local programs in your community and churches that are striving to make a difference for these young folks?

With being involved in street ministry, I see more and more every week the need to touch the souls of the young people and old as well!  I see the need for adults to share the truths of the world with them. It is vital that they have a strong spiritual foundation while they are young. Someone needs to be open with them in regards to the whole arena of sex and sexuality. For many years it was so taboo, to even speak of such things, this in turn led many young people feeling frustrated and having no idea of their sexual identity and therefore led to risky behaviors and now we have increased teen pregnancies, sexual predators, abusers and  molesters running around. Their lives can change. There is hope.

I encourage you to think about what you have come through in life. Are you thankful and praising the one who pulled you up and out of that pit of life you felt you were stuck in? I can share with you all, I am thankful for where my life has come from. I have a testimony, just like we all do. Wouldn’t you like to give back to others? Just think if you could help change the life of one person. Wouldn’t that be worth it? Our city here in Batavia is a big community (mind you this writer grew up in a town with a population of 500). When I think about all the people that need help in some way, I just pray that more and more people will start stepping up and out.

A friend of mine once said, it is time for us to stop being Mamby, Pamby and step up to what we are called to do. I loved it!  Well, I for one do not want to sit back with knowing I am capable of helping someone. We can all make a difference.

I could all write all night but I got to get busy packing. Care-A-Van Ministries has been blessed with opportunity to go on a road trip to NY City! We leave this Sunday at 7 AM. We are taking that big red bus miles away from its comfortable home to a world unknown to us. On Monday, we will be spending the day at the Hope Center in Elizabeth New Jersey, and then on Tuesday we take the bus to the Bronx! We will be working side by side with the Relief bus to do street ministry there. The Lord is using the ministry team of Care-A-Van to bring hope to the lost in another city. Just this past week, we were on the road to Machias to give thanks to a local church there that supports the ministry. The week after we return we have been invited over to Buffalo to share of the ministry there. I keep telling Paul, I see the vision of a fleet of buses! Can you just imagine if we filled buses with all us who have been called to make a difference what a better city this would be?

I wish you all a wonderful day filled with peace and joy. Thank you so much for listening to my rambling heart!

Thank you again to those of who are teaming up with Care-A-Van with your prayers and financial support and most importantly your valuable precious volunteering time to help make a difference.

We got busy knocking on the doors- I believe 94 in total. The music was blaring and I swear the whole building was shaking as we knocked on the one door. A young man opened the door and stood there with a couple of his friends. They knew us and were happy to see us. We asked them how they were doing and if they needed prayer. He stated well we do have something going on that maybe you can help with. We are having an argument about something they said I did and that I was wrong about. We just can’t settle it. Can you help? Well, we knew that we could not settle it, but we knew with a little prayer that someone bigger than us could settle the dispute. We offered to pray with them.

Paul, Dave and I gathered around with the 6 students held hands and prayed. In the prayer Paul prayed that God would bring peace over the room and that the situation at hand would be settled. As the prayer ended, another student came out of the bathroom and said Amen! The young man said “well now what do we do”? Our reply was wait, don’t argue, and let God settle it. They seemed to be a bit stunned, but said ok.  You see there is someone who knows all and sees all. All of the arguments, all the dissention, the Lord knows exactly what is going on and who is at fault.  If we seek and pray, answers will be shown. 

Just like at another room, someone refused the brochure about the ministry, the cookies and the message booklet. One has to wonder in this type of situation, exactly what is going on inside of this person. Who or what is at fault that this person is hurting so much that they refuse any type of assistance? Now please understand, we know that there are folks including college students have their own beliefs and values. We respect that. However we also know behind those doors, are some very lost hurting souls.

One young gal was from Canada and her home is 30 hours from here. She was so thankful that we stopped by to give a little cheer. Another young gal, said “so you got those church cookies for us”? We like those cookies; we even crunch them up and put them in cakes. She even gave us a bag of donated clothing for the ministry. Here admist all of her trying times in college, she took time to give back to others. How awesome is that!

On May 9th, Care-A-Van will be holding their annual college cookout at GCC. The fun will begin at 4:00 PM. There will be hotdogs, hamburgs and all the fixings to go with them. There will also be music provided. It will be held in the parking lot of the dorms.

If you are interested in coming out and helping we would love to have you join us. This is the end of the year bash for them. Each month from September through May, Care-A-Van makes a monthly visit to the college dorms. We have built wonderful trusting friendships with the students. We go forth and let them know that we care, but most importantly that the Lord cares about them and their well being while they are students here in our local community.

Thank you to all of you who partner with us to take forth the light into the darkness of the college campus and all other areas of the city. As the bus headed back home down Main Street, we looked ahead and there right in front of us in the bluish, black sky was a huge orange cross! Our Lord is an awesome God!  Seeing that cross, gave this writer such an inner feeling of peace.  May you all have a very peace filled day!

We can be reached at 585-343-0328 if you are interested in volunteering or know of someone in need.

The street was busy with lots of activity. One young boy came to the bus. His mom had recently had surgery. As I walked back home with him, we were talking about this special week-end and how Jesus died on the cross and then how he rose from the dead on Easter Day.

Just as we learned how he rose, we also see the needs rising here in our City. Today was one of our busiest days at Central Avenue. The Lord fed 104 people today! We were so busy that we ran out of milk. The Lord also  provided clothing for many families today. A young girl came to the bus to see if she could find an outfit for her father to wear to church. Another young girl was trying to find something for her grandmother to wear.

The word continues to get out that Care-A-Van is here to help. We thank all of you for sharing the word. Many people had stopped at the Salvation Army this morning and the folks there shared about the ministry.  We talked with many people that did not have a church family or a support system. As we look into their eyes, hearts and souls we see and feel the pain. We have all gone through our own struggles and still do. But there is hope for all of us. In God’s word it says “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you not harm you”.

In Luke 24:

46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things.

We thank all of you for helping us share with the city of the wonderful news and miracles that our Lord has done and continues to do so. It is an honor for all of us to serve our Lord.   As Paul prayed this morning before we headed out, Lord help us keep it simple.  Special personal invitations were given to all to join Care-A-Van for Easter Dinner. Paul and Bridget will be doing all the cooking. It is going to be held at the Assembly of God Church on North Spruce Street from 2:00-4:00 PM. We invite all of you to stop by, grab a bite to eat and share in awesome fellowship. I hear that the Chocolate fountain is going to be the best treat of all. Oops, let me take that back, the best treat of all is that Jesus died so we may all have life!

May you have a blessed Easter

Robin Walters, Public Relations Director

Care-A-Van Ministries

Each time we go there, one of the security guards goes around with us. On this particular evening it was a plus to have her with us. She knew what rooms were occupied. Even though a lot of the  94 rooms were empty we still left them a brochure about the ministry, a gospel track, a big bag of cookies and a personal invitation to the Easter Dinner that Care-Van is hosting on Easter Day, April 12^th . This dinner will be held at the Assembly of God church beginning at 2:00 PM. If you have nowhere to go, come join us for Easter Dinner. Paul and Bridget will personally be doing the cooking! I have even heard that there will be a chocolate fountain, now how could one resist that?

Bridget was kind enough to send along Goulash on the bus to feed the hungry workers.

This was a big plus as a few of the students came out to the bus to have dinner with us.

Elder Ron got to spend some quality time feeding them not only physically but spiritually as well. PJ was busy getting bags of groceries to send back to the doom room with these young folks.  Dave and I were busy hitting up the candy bowls that adorn the booths. Dave told me that he calls it the “Calorie Van”. Goodies are readily available for anyone who climbs on board.  Paul kept busy with synching his IPOD into the new stereo system to provide the music entertainment of the evening.

Do you remember the story about how Jesus fed thousands with a few fish and loaves of bread? God did that tonight with the goulash. Just as we were getting ready to leave, three young men came out to get something to eat. Now mind you, I swear that crockpot was empty. There was not much left when I got a chance to eat.  The one young man had eaten 4 bowls! But Elder Ron said sure we have food, come on board! I watched from the back of the bus as he filled 3 bowls to the rim full of Goulash! I truly witnessed how God provides just enough. It still boggles my mind where those last 3 bowls of goulash came from.

When the students arrive back home from spring break, they will find a surprise treat waiting for them. For the students that were home, they got a special extra treat. It truly was a special evening spent at the college. We got to meet some young men from Spain and England. Typically, we do not get to spend this much quality one on one time with the students. God blessed us just as much as he blessed these young students.

So next time you knock on a door and no one is home, I encourage you to think of how you could brighten the occupant’s arrival home. Maybe you could leave a special treat, or maybe a welcome home note, or maybe just a note to let them know that you do truly care and if they ever need anything they can give you a call. This is what Care-Van does. We go forth and let them know we are there because we care! Have a great week-end!

It was an interesting night out recentlyon the Care-A-Van Bus. God took us to one of the local trailer parks. Paul Ohlson, the Director and Founder of the bus was busy serving chili. As God and I got done with ministering with some of the families, Paul offered me a bowl of his and Bridget’s homemade chili. He joked that he would serve me out of a used bowl, as seen in the photo above.

The used bowl joke made me think about how some of feel in our walks of life. Have you ever thought that you were all “used up” and that there was no hope for you in life? Do you find yourself questioning where is my life going? What can God do with me? I am a nobody, I am just like a used Styrofoam bowl all flimsy and no stability. Your mind is telling you a lie. You and I are all worthy. Just like all the folks that God led to the bus tonight. There are people within this city with hurting souls. They do not understand why they lost their job, why their hours were cut. They are hurting. They are sitting with worry and frustration because of the situations that they find themselves in.

God does tell us in the book of Colossians 2:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.

During these tough times when we sometimes feel like a used bowl, God wants us to understand and to be encouraged and love each other. We are finding that during these tough times there are many people that do not know and understand the true mysteries of God and how he will provide for them. He truly does have a purpose for all of us.

A beautiful young 8 year old girl came out to the bus. She was so excited to have found a used bible out on one of the tables. She was standing at the front of the bus with an armload of clothes. She shared with us that she really needed some play clothes. She had left and took her treasures home with her. Next thing we knew, she showed back up on the bus with her step sister who was in first grade. They wanted to know if we had another bible that her sister could have. We looked through the books that were on the tables and found one for her as well. On the bus, we also have the Hope books, which are the New Testament. These books were donated by the Assembly of God.  Each girl was sent home with God’s word in hand.

We had some gentlemen from the Church of Rock in Attica come out and volunteer with us. God even uses the scraps of animal horns for his glory. Kerwin can make beautiful sound on his Shofar – a musical instrument made from one of these animal horns.

Pastor Eric and Joe were a blessing to the bus this evening. They really helped with setting up the tables, knocking on doors and even delivering groceries to one of the homes.

So you see, no matter where you may be in life, there is hope. God went to the streets tonight to love upon those that feel useless, that feel like they are just a minute scrap in life and feel like they are all used up. With knowing Jesus, we all know we are made new and a great life awaits us.

Thank you to all who continue to make it possible for Care-A-Van Ministries to go out and show that burning bright light of hope and love and the true mysteries of God.

Robin Walters

Public Relations Director

Care-A-Van Ministries

PS I had other pics, but I sure am not a technical guru, I could not get them to upload..

As the hustle and bustle of our Saturday morning started, we got busy visiting and sharing with folks. There are so many hurting people on the streets in Batavia. As we listened to the stories, it really makes one be thankful for what we do have. Can you imagine losing your home in a fire and living in your car for two months? Can you imagine having someone break into your home and steal all your precious belongings?

Can you imagine losing your job and not having any idea where you will get money to pay for rent and food? Can you imagine having your loved one being in prison?

Yes we heard all the above today. We prayed for them all. God brought hope to the people in Batavia today. I thought of scripture today:

Romans 4:

¹³It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. ¹⁴For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, ¹⁵because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

 ¹⁶Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. ¹⁷As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."^[c] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

 ¹⁸Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."^{[d] 19}Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. ²⁰Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. ²²This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." ²³The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, ²⁴but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. ²⁵He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

We go forth bringing hope to those on the streets. We as Care-A-Van believe in our Lord.

We believe God has the power to do what he promised. It is so hard for some folks to comprehend this. No matter what one is going through, whether it be the victim of a robbery, a victim of losing your home to a fire, losing your job and all other hurts, God will be there for them and all of us. He is right there every minute. God also provides loving people here on earth to bring that hope and light to all. As you come to the end of reading today’s event, I encourage you to look within yourself. What blessings has God given you lately? What blessings and encouragement can you share with others today? Are you standing firm through the battle and storms of your life today? Do you believe God will keep his promises? God kept that promise to provide when he brought his dream of Care-A-Van to Batavia. God knew all along the plans he had to bring hope and revival to this city. Now I call that a miracle in itself! Thank you to all who keep believing in the promises and partnering with the Lord through Care-A-Van to bring the shining light and freedom to all!

Robin Walters

Care-A-Van Ministries

March 7, 2009

I cannot believe as we walked across the college campus tonight, that Paul says he loves winter! The wind was whipping at our faces and our feet were skating across the ice.

I learned a new game tonight! It is called Cookie bumper. When walking across the ice, make sure you have a strong guy like Dave carrying a box of cookies next to you for cushion and bumper as you slip and slide.

We had a great time at Genesee Community College tonight. Care-A-Van Ministries goes out there every 3^rd Thursday of the month. We knock on all the dorm rooms. I believe there is like 94 rooms with 4 students in a room. This totals about 376 college students that saw God come knocking on their door tonight.

As the doors open, we announce ourselves to say Care-A-Van is here because we care.

We give them one of our brochures which includes our phone number and a listing of local churches. We also give them a gospel tract. Tonight’s message was “You are Not Alone”. I remembered my college days, there were many all night study crams when I felt so alone. But we let them know they are never alone, Jesus is always there with them.  We also provide them with a treat such as a bag of cookies.

As we headed up the steps, it was then that I noticed it. What you ask? The lost sock.

It lay all by its lonesome on that big step. I could hear Elder Ron hollering throughout the halls, Care-A-Van Ministries here! When the doors opened, we saw more than lost socks, we saw lost souls. Our ministry teams offered prayer to each room. You would be surprised to the ones that need it and want it! I give one young gentleman credit for his boldness. His reply was “yes I need prayer”, my roommates here they don’t believe but I do. We gathered around and Paul prayed for this young man and included his roommates in the prayer. Another young man needed prayer due to a death of a close friend. A couple of young ladies wanted prayer for their studies. There were many different requests.

One of our ministry team members, Asheesh is gifted by God with music skills. He does awesome Christian rap music. They were even trying to get him to sing in the halls!

The one need we did see tonight is that many of these students do not have a church. There are some that would like to go to church but do not have a way. We encouraged them to call the churches as some of the churches do have transportation services. One thing I have seen over the years is that many churches have the challenge of getting people involved in ministries within the church.  I can personally say that if a church is looking for a ministry to reach out to lost souls, that a van service out to the college for Sunday Service would be an awesome way to start! It takes more than just handing out a phone number and saying “call if you want a ride”. I believe it takes a small team heading out in a van before a service and letting them know you are there.

I know that some of the local churches here do send care kits to college students. As my own daughter will be heading off to college in another year, I pray that she will find a good Christian church that will care enough to see that she can get to church and that she continues to be spiritually fed. Yes, the individual has got to want it, but we as caring individuals can do our part to help fulfill that desire.

There were also a few students that will be going into religious studies. We encouraged them to come out and volunteer with Care-A-Van. We encourage all of you to keep praying for us and to partner with us. Together as churches and a community, we can go forth and help the lost souls whether they are in a college dorm or living on a street in downtown Batavia.

If your church or organization, or you yourself are looking for ways to reach out and are interested in volunteering or experiencing God’s love on that big red bus, do not hesitate to give us a call.  Our number is 586-343-0328.

In closing tonight, my prayer is that the owner of that lost sock be found. That owner just may be one of God’s lost souls that are waiting to hear a knock on the door, to say we are here because we care. Isn’t that what God tells us to do? Love your neighbors as yourselves- and this includes college kids. Praises to God for another safe night!

Keep the Light On

Robin Walters

Care-A-Van Ministries