Supporting Houston Ministries

Get together 120 bags filled with toiletry items, six sets of clothes, two towels, a bathing suit, and load them on three buses filled with 120 excited, yet nervous kids and teenagers and what do you have?... One of the greatest experiences of a young child's life. You have camp! One of my favorite weeks of the year as a Youth Minister at Star of Hope's Women and Family Shelter is being able to get my hands dirty and make this week of camp happen for these youth. Every youth that is able to go receives brand new sets of clothes for camp. Even more than the clothes they receive, they also get the experience of a lifetime (swimming, canoeing, blobbing, hiking, fishing, etc.), that some will never get again. But even more than the experience of a lifetime and clothes, they receive the "good news" of Jesus Christ and the chance to begin that relationship with Him. This camp is so crucial for these youth!

As I said before, the week of camp is one of my favorite weeks of the year. And now that camp has passed yet another year, I can reflect on all that God has done. But none of it could've been possible without the financial and prayerful support of those who sent us. For five years it has been a blessing for me to be apart of what God does with these youth at camp. I am so grateful for those who supported it. So, the countdown has begun! 50 weeks and a camping we will go... again! If you would like to give of your resources to support this or another aspect of Star of Hope, visit Ways to Give and learn more about Supporting Houston Ministries.

Please partner with Star of Hope Alumni (ACTS) and give to a worthy cause. ACTS is hosting their 2^nd Annual

Last year’s successful fundraiser was an indication that we were in God’s will. In the last twelve months ACTS Mobile Outreach Ministry has brought the Good News to thousands through music, bible studies, servant Saturday, testimonies, job search aid, transportation funds, education assistance, skills training, furniture for those in need, groceries, clothing and in many other ways. ACTS even supported an Alumnus’ mission trip to Nicaragua.

In order to continue to impact God’s Kingdom we need your help through your prayer, your time and your treasure.

Click Below to Give on Star of Hope Website: Supporting Houston Ministries with ACTS

There are 7 Ways to Give Support. May God Speak to Your Heart!
1. Pray for us
2. Volunteer your time to serve with us
3. Sponsor as many bowlers as you like for $20.00 per frame
4. Sponsor 2 bowlers for one bowler $100.00
5. Sponsor a team of 5 bowlers for one game for $250.00
6. Sponsor a team of 5 bowlers for two games for $500.00
7. Sponsor a team of 10 bowlers for two games for $1500.00

For Example:

• A $1500 gift can cover the cost of our metro bus pass program for one year, which allows men to search for work and attend major ministry events for life change.
• A $500 gift can purchase 20 Furniture Bank vouchers, which furnishes an efficiency apartment for four single alumni.
• A $250 gift can sponsor books, supplies, and transportation cost to conduct a twelve weeks small group satellite Bible Study for twelve people.

Universal Care is available to all. You qualify if you are a visitor with a visa in a foreign land or an illegal alien in despair. You qualify if you are sitting on a plush sofa in your luxurious living room stressed free. You qualify if you are standing in a local government welfare office furious and depressed. You even qualify if you are lying between the bushes of a wild jungle in an undeveloped country craving your next prey.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental, social, spiritual anxieties, this program can help you overcome them. If you or a loved one has any habits, hang ups, or hurts that have isolated you from society, promoted self sufficiency, produced self- grander, or rendered self-disappointments, this program can help you move beyond self-dissatisfaction to a meaningful life of hope, purpose, and relationships. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, you can be set free to soar in sobriety once again. Recovery is one breath away.

All services are provided for by the Sole Provider—the Author and the Finisher. He will never leave you hanging on the phone of despair or wondering in the dark about full coverage. He will not exaggerate the truth because He cannot lie. On top of that, whatever He starts, He finishes. Moreover, whatever service He provides, they will be second to none. Don’t worry. You will come to love Him. In the end, everything will work out for your good. He is like a Star of Hope that shines in the darkest moments.

Not only that, the program is guaranteed for one’s entire life, which includes life, death, and beyond. The program will never expire. It is eternal. You will receive personal care that last forever from the Giver of Life-The Soul Provider.

To top it off, all fees are paid for in full by the Redeemer, who is the Sole Provider and the only Soul Provider. Consequently, you will never have to look for another provider. Now, that’s good news.

Just in case you were wondering, the Soul Provider is Jesus the Christ. He died on the cross to pay the cost of our sins and to redeem us back into a right relationship with God. The penalty of sin was and is death but the gift of God (Jesus Christ) provides eternal life in heaven. He paid the cost for everyone’s sins in one divine instant. When society was full of sin and decadence, the Sole Provider became our Soul Provider. He became a medicine of light that brightened the soul in her darkest moment according to Jeremiah 8:22.

Praise God for His Universal Care program of salvation. It offers care and coverage for all emotional states, mental concerns, social disparities, and spiritual conditions.

A.     Everyone is welcome to be a part of UC according to I Timothy 2:3-4 and II Peter 3:9.

B.     You can be of any nationality, race, gender, or social class according to Ephesians 3: 28.

C.     Whoever believes in Jesus and confesses sins according to Romans 10:9 becomes a lifetime member.

Congratulations!  No need to agonize and pull out any more hair. Everything you need to know to care for your heart, soul, mind, and spirit for now and for eternity is one click away. Click on The Bible or The Living Word to meet the one and only Sole and Soul Provider, Jesus Christ.

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission and Supporting Houston Ministries.

On Friday, June 18, 2010, Star of Hope Men’s Development Center hosted the Fifth Annual Alumni Fellowship Celebration (AFC). We celebrated the victory of “new lives” in Christ. We celebrated the victory that God has given the alumni over drugs, alcohol, and habitual sin. We celebrated the victory that God has given them as servants of the Gospel of Christ.
 

Men who have satisfied Client Services and Spiritual Recovery Program requirements and now live off SOH property in their own residence are classified as alumni. This year we celebrated their acts of service in the community and within the Star of Hope facilities. Three different awards were given to the alumni who rendered Acts of Service:

• Eleven alumni received the “Redeeming the Time Award” which was given to men who volunteered through ACTS Ministry (Alumni in Community Transformation & Service).
• Five alumni received the “Sowing the Seed Award” which was given to men who taught or preached at the any one of our four Star of Hope locations.
• Eleven alumni received the “Stirring it Up Award” which was given to men who discipled another alumni

 
Private Dale C. shared a brief testimony about how the Star of Hope played a tremendous role in saving his life, changing his life, and redirecting his life. On October 20, 2008, Dale signed up for the Spiritual Recovery Program (SPR). While at the Star of Hope, Dale accepted Christ as his Savior. While sharing his testimony during the fellowship, he said in so many words that his life was going now where fast. After completing the SRP, he left to sign up for the United States Army. Looking back over the last two years, Dale has completed two rigorous programs, the SRP and the Army Boot Camp. Dale talks about how rigorous the SOH and Boot Camp training was. He now knows that he needed both of these painstaking training programs to prepare him to serve his country for Christ.

Dale is a true solider for Christ. Dale entered the doors of the Star of Hope at the tender age of 19 homeless and hopeless. Today he is 22 and has a new home in heaven and hope for a brighter future in Christ. He is a great servant of the Most High, and we love and support him.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, “We give thanks to God always for you all (alumni), making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-6
 

Visit Christian Ministries Houston to learn more about ACTS, Star of Hope's Alumni Ministry.

Throughout the community, an exceptional group of young people are learning the skills needed to become our future leaders. These young men and women are part of the Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs. What an honor it is to work with Scouts who select Star of Hope as the site for their Eagle Scout and Girls Scout Gold Award projects!  

The project requirements are stringent. Scouts must submit a comprehensive plan - containing a detailed description of the project, the necessary supplies and materials, how the project will be funded and how the project will benefit Star of Hope - that goes through many levels of approval in the Scout organizations before work can begin. 

This month, Scouts Mark Camero and Kevin Sweat will complete the projects they first proposed last year. Mark designed and is coordinating a team to build shelving units for a storage area at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Kevin designed and is coordinating a team to build a seating area and improve the area around a playground at our Transitional Living Center. Scout Brian Howell is working on a project that will include a new seating area and beautification of an area around Star of Hope’s administration building. From drawing plans to material take-offs, these young men have covered all the bases. Scouts Tyler Barron and Matthew Salazar recently hosted donation drives for pillows, towels, socks and underwear and collected several thousand items! As we work with these young men over many months, nothing is more awesome and inspiring than when the invitation arrives to their Court of Honor ceremonies! 

Girl Scouts Madeline Bowser and Kelsey Pearson developed Gold Award projects that enriched the lives of the elementary-school-age children at our Transitional Living Center. Madeline organized and hosted three fun-filled monthly theme parties and also collected children’s socks and underwear. Kelsey, who lived in China for several years, shared her love for international cultures by organizing and hosting three international festivals that included arts & crafts, food and games. Not only did our children benefit from these unique experiences, Madeline and Kelsey were excellent role models.

In addition to these wonderful young people, Boy Scout leader Shana Montgomery has been a special blessing. While working through the demanding Wood Badge program, which teaches advanced leadership skills, Shana selected Star of Hope for her community service project. She helped get our children ready for summer camp by collecting flip-flops in all colors and sizes. 

We are so proud of our Scouts and grateful for the many ways they bless our mission! Each Scout demonstrates a tremendous work ethic, dedication and compassion for those less fortunate. Their commitment and service truly gives Houston’s homeless men, women and children hope for a better tomorrow.

Easter always brings back the memory of a time when I was a little girl, sitting in the church pew with my parents, listening to the choir perform songs about the risen Christ. But one man in particular, always had me riveted to my seat. His voice was so deep and rich that the lyrics seemed to swell over the organ, especially when he sang, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? Something about that song always went right through my small frame. It was my first recognition of the awful beauty of His gift.

All these years later, I recognize that beauty which comes from agony, again, in the faces of our clients, at Star of Hope, whether the Men's Development Center, the Women and Family Emergency Shelter, or the Transitional Living Center. They have endured painful—often terrible times, their losses are acute, and the harsh realities of their circumstances can be seen in their eyes. They have had to be courageous in ways most of us cannot imagine. But Easter comes for them just as it came for Jesus. In this Christ-centered community, the Lord extends His nail-pierced hands to help homeless men, women, and children rise up from the pain, the past and fear of the future, and walk in the hope that is blood-bought, indelible, and available. Through our wonderful donors, volunteers, and advocates, the gift of Christ is at work at Star of Hope in the programs offered and the extraordinary staff who love our clients unconditionally.  And it is beautiful to behold. 
 

Learn more about Star of Hope's life-changing ministries by visiting Supporting Houston Ministries

A car is pulling up with a family inside. The car stops and after yelling and some tears, a 13 year old jumps out of the car screaming and runs as fast as he can away from his family. The parents park the car and the dad chases after his son. They hug and return to the car. The dad then drives another block to the homeless shelter where they will be staying. With his son and two other children, he and his wife enter.

This episode occurred in front of a shelter a few months ago and relates how traumatic and embarrassing it is for a family, and especially their teenage children, to face homelessness.

I am more committed than ever to work to expand Star of Hope’s services to families in our community who become homeless. As you may know, with the help of Humana Houston Benefits last year, we began expanding our Teen Ministry. Stars of 2morrow helps young victims of homelessness to know that God loves them and has a great plan for their lives, while we work with their moms and dads.

Our new Star of Hope Vision 2015 includes exciting new initiatives and partnerships for the homeless teens and children in our city, and we look forward to seeing more of these lives successfully helped out of their current plight. We believe there IS HOPE! Please keep us in your prayers!

Learn more about Star of Hope’s ministry to teens and families at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.

Looking back on 2009 probably makes us all a little jittery, as we remember the uncertainty we have experienced individually and collectively, due to the economic downturn.  But I hope you feel the same satisfaction and excitement that I feel, knowing that, in spite of the difficulties, God moved in dramatic ways to touch and change the lives of thousands of homeless men, women, and children, living at Star of Hope.  It was a year of abundant blessing for our Clients, with new records of service being given through our ministries around town, resulting in many great outcomes.

Did you know we served a record 6,319 individual clients during 2009?  Among other new records are total meals served…668,385, up 24% from 2008, night stays at 295,921, up 9%, clients finding independent housing up 17%, adults enrolled off-site in school or job training at 815, up 19%, clients graduating from a Star of Hope program up 44%, and the list goes on!

THANK YOU HOUSTON, for your generous support: for volunteering and contributing your time, resources, and monetary gifts, on behalf of our brothers and sisters who were suffering.  THANK YOU for letting God use you to work in the lives of those whom He has brought our way.
 
Most importantly, that 6,319 number is not just a statistic, it’s people of all ages in our community who were in crisis and needed an intervention, immediate needs met, and a loving environment in which to plan a new future.  And along the way, Star of Hope saw a total of 5,332 of these precious ones surrender their lives to Christ, and commit to live for Him.

Every client has his or her own story, but I thought you might want to take a look at this one, because it is representative of so many stories, that sum up 2009….what it’s like to be homeless unexpectedly, and how it feels:


   
So as we begin 2010, please remember, whatever our own struggles, that God is doing great things at the Star of Hope, and YOU are needed to partner with us in His service here!
 

Learn more about giving your time by visiting Community Service Volunteers Houston or give an online gift today at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.

I love Christmas time! And I love seeing live Nativity scenes in local church front lawns, during the week just before Christmas. It always brings my thoughts back to God’s incredible plan for us. Do you see it? God’s profound message to me every time I see a manger is that He loves us without any of our pretenses, things or earthly treasures. He loves us as He loves His Son, Jesus, whom He sent to be born without a home, things or earthly treasures — or even a bed to rest in on His first night on this earth! Such a little Manger, but God used it to change the world, reveal His Plan for Mankind and change history forever.

Well, when Star of Hope began over 100 years ago, it was like that little manger: a small, unpretentious place where men in our city who had lost their way in life and were struggling with addictions, sin, and bad choices -- or just hard luck, could come and find healing, refuge and Hope. Such a little Mission, and look at what God has done with this Ministry over the past century! Star of Hope now serves nearly 1,000 homeless men, women and children every day. Our focus is still the same as God’s focus was 2000 years ago, in that Bethlehem manger... to shine the Light of The World, Jesus Christ, into the lives of those He came to seek and to save.

You can go by the live Nativity scenes around town and be reminded of the Baby Jesus’ birth this Christmas. You can also come and be a shepherd in the Star of Hope “Manger”, and help bring His Life and Light into the lives of many who desperately need Him today! Come and join us during this season or in the New Year with your heart, time, talents and gifts… and be a part of the work that God is doing for the least and lost in Houston!

Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth, Peace, Goodwill toward Men!

Get involved and share your time and talents at Volunteer Programs Houston.
Visit Supporting Houston Ministries to donate online, provide current needs and prepare us for another strong year of ministry in 2010.