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WITandWISDOM(tm) February 17, 2004 ISSN 1538 8794 ~~~~~~~ THOUGHTS: "When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it." E. W. Howe Source: Net 153 Weekly, http://www.net153.com/ ~~~~~~~ SPECIAL THOUGHTS: TUSTIN, Calif. (BP) Two newcomers attended a free Wednesday evening barbecue in late June at The Main Place Christian Fellowship, a Baptist congregation amid the sprawling suburbs south of Los Angeles. One woman was embroiled in a legal dispute with her mother and other family members. The other had just escaped from an abusive relationship. Seniors Pastor Martin Mosier met both women earlier that day at the church's drive through prayer booth, a 7 by 10 foot building that used to hold a photo developing shop. Located in a strip mall across the street from the church, the unique outreach has prompted a stir in the community since opening in March. It also has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and on National Public Radio. Missions Pastor David Cottrill said it has spread awareness of the church across the region. More importantly, he said he believes divine guidance is behind the project. After praying with the two women in distress, Mosier said, both had tears in their eyes. They also expressed gratitude that someone could talk with them and provide them a meal. "I know from being there it's a blessing," said Mosier, one of 10 staff members who cover the booth weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. "We have people come through who break down and weep because they're going through a divorce or a child custody battle. In addition to free prayer, the 500 member church offers free 16 ounce bottles of water and Bibles at the booth. During a typical week, staff give away a case of water bottles and thus far have distributed about 40 free Bibles. Each request is forwarded to the church's prayer group, which meets at 5:30 a.m. during the week and one Friday a month at 7 p.m. Interestingly, organizers said, half the booth's visitors are members of other churches. They either have a need that day, or they know shared requests will remain confidential, Cottrill said. Source: A Joke a Day http://www.topica.com/lists/ajokeaday7 ~~~~~~~ THIS & THAT: A psychologist, an engineer and a theologian were hunting when they stumbled upon a cabin where a potbellied stove was suspended in midair by wires attached to the ceiling. The psychologist theorized, "The lonely trapper has elevated his stove so he can curl up underneath and feel the warmth as if he has returned to the womb." "No," said the engineer. "By elevating the stove, the man is simply distributing the heat more evenly in the cabin." "Actually, lifting up fire has been a religious symbol for centuries," explained the theologian. Just then, the trapper returned, so the hunters asked him to explain. "Well, I had plenty of wire," the trapper said, "but not much stovepipe." From: The Joyful Noiseletter, http://www.joyfulnoiseletter.com Source: Reader's Digest, Copyright (c) December 2000, http://www.readersdigest.com/ ~~~~~~~ KEEP SMILING: "If you want to make a friend at the beach, start building a really big sand castle." Source: Heart Touchers, http://www.hearttouchers.com ~~~~~~~ TRIVIA: How long does the blue whale go between meals? The blue whale is maintained by its blubber and can go up to half a year without eating. Source: ArcaMax Trivia, http://www.arcamax.com For pictures of blue whales visit: http://www.earthwindow.com/blue.html |