community awareness

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!

What a beautiful spring evening it was for Care-A-Van to be out! The newness and freshness of spring was in the air at our local college GCC as we pulled in. The basketball court was busy and in full swing with a game going on. Students were busy milling around enjoying the evening.

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.

God was so good today to Care-A-Van as we visited at Central Avenue. Even with the cool crisp spring air, the sun was shining bright. It was so nice to set up outside without having to battle that white cold stuff! It was wonderful to look around and see many flowers and buds on the trees starting to come out.

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

Have you ever knocked on a door only to find out no one was home? Well that was the way it was Thursday night on our night out with Care-A-Van. We headed out the local college GCC to visit the door rooms. We knew ahead of time that it was spring break but we still wanted to be able to go out and brighten the evening for those students that may have not been able to head home for spring break.

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!

The Used Bowl and a Few Scraps

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..

I  had just realized I had forgotten to post this after last week's outing. Enjoy!

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

Paul Ohlson, Founder Of Care-A-Van Ministry and Elder Ron discuss challenges of the day at one of our trips out.

What a glorious day God provided for Care-A-Van today! The sun was shining brightly as we headed out.  There was a bustle of activity outside the bus. As I was walking back up from one apartment, a mom was walking back down the still icy driveway. I helped her back to her home. Her son was going to come back up and get the groceries.

As we entered the home, I gathered up her precious daughter into my arms. Jalisa (mother’s permission given to use her name) smiled brightly up at me. She was so precious! Her son was busy getting on his boots to come back to the bus with me.

I asked if Jalisa could walk yet. She said she takes tiny steps. I set her down on the floor and took her hands. The sight below me was stunning. Her tiny little bare pudgy feet began to take tiny little steps across the floor. As each step was taken she would topple from one side to the other. It then dawned on me! This is how it is when we begin our walk with Jesus. We start our walk and belief with small tiny steps. With not quite sure what is happening in our hearts and souls, we topple from side to side. However, just as I was there to hold Jalisa’s hands, Jesus is there holding us up. He never lets go of us. He is our comforter and provider.

Provision and comfort was in great need today at the apartment complex. As the economic tide is turning, there are more and more needs in the community. We prayed with families for God to provide employment. A young mom needed a mattress for a bed for her young child. We called RAP and got a listing of where places that the mom might find this need met. We prayed with a young mom who had just moved out on her own with her young son to start a new life for the two of them.

Comfort and hope was given to a young couple who were struggling with so many challenges and issues in their life. The ministry team shared of God’s love with this beautiful young couple. We shared of the hope and life there is with having Jesus in your heart and life. Paul offered prayer and support to the young man as Sue and I prayed and comforted with the young woman. We encouraged them to find a church. God showed them hope with that allowing Christ in their hearts and taking those tiny steps one at a time that there is peace for them in their future life together.

We are thankful for all of you that continue to partner with us. We are thankful for the steps that are being taken by all of us to walk one step at a time with each other to bring hope to the city of Batavia.  We saw so many issues that were discussed at the Interagency meeting this past week. I felt so much hope within knowing now who the contacts are for the needs of these people. I am thankful for the time that Vicki from Domestic Violence has taken with us. We are thankful for the offer of training from this organization. We are thankful for RAP. We are thankful to all you churches who are waiting with open arms to receive these hurting souls. We are just thankful that with Jesus as our pilot, we can all walk one tiny step together to truly make a difference!

As the sun comes up each new day, may we all step into the day with the reminder of the peace and hope that comes from our Lord! Praises to our Lord for another blessed day on the streets!

God Bless

Robin Walters

Care-A-Van Ministries