I recently had an experience that showed me once again how important it is to stay close to the Lord and His Word so the Holy Spirit has a chance to tug at me before I open my mouth and say something I wish I hadn’t. I spoke out of turn in a recent meeting. Several weeks later two ladies asked to speak with me. They began to tell me how what I had said had hurt them. They came from a different world view on a topic than I did. As they spoke to me, it cut me to the heart. The last thing I want to do is to offend anyone, especially those I work with in ministry. I thanked them for speaking to me and asked them to forgive me. I have prayed much about this area of my life as I need to think more before I speak and let God season my words. I think the way the ladies handled this was of God and I wish more people would do this rather then gossip or hold it inside so there is a barrier between them and the person they talk about. Thank you ladies for being in tune with the Word and coming to me as a sister in Christ!!!

As our group of leaders, both seasoned and new, met for our monthly support meetings last Friday, God did another amazing thing. From the beginning of the meeting, one man continued to ask questions and seemed so intrigued with all that was going on. At one period, during the meeting, he got up and left and then came back. It’s been a long time since I have seen someone so involved with all the discussion that was happening. After the meeting and our lunch together, he came up to me. He said,”I thought I was just volunteering with my church to help kids with homework. Now I see it is much more than that. I had to leave the meeting at one point and go to the restroom and cry.” He had just realized that God was calling him to use his gifts to build relationships to share Christ while he helped with homework. All of his prior training and teaching in school led him to this place at this time. He was so overcome and blessed that he could hardly contain himself. What an amazing thing when someone realizes that he is to share Christ as he goes in life. I pray that his kind will be multiplied!

It is so much fun to be a part of God’s heart and what He is doing. Last Thursday I was to go to DeSoto to meet with an apartment manager and 2 ladies from a nearby church to begin a new work. As I was having breakfast that morning, another lady called me to tell me that her small church was not going to be able to continue their ministry alone. They either needed another church to assist them or one to take over the work altogether. I told her I would get the word out ASAP. I had not clue who would step up but I did know that someone would! I got ready and began the drive from Fort Worth to DeSoto. As I was driving, I called the manager to tell her I would be there soon. I found out that the manager was no longer there and we did not need to meet with anyone. I tried to call the 2 ladies but they were already on their way. They got there before I did so knew the problem as I walked in. We sat in the clubroom talking about what to do next when I decided to mention the call I had gotten earlier. The two ladies were so excited that we called the one who had called earlier and they ladies began to talk on the phone to each other. I talked to The Leasing Agent to see if there was any hope for the future. By the time we both finished our conversations, the three ladies had made an appointment to meet on Monday to set forth a plan. As I drove home that day, I thanked the Lord for His plan and that He always has everything under control!

I met with one of the pastors and a few others from Northwood Church yesterday. The only problem was that the main person who heads up this work – was not there because her grandfather died the day before. They are interested in moving forward but need to talk with Jill first. The couple I am working with there would like to see some apartment ministry work in this area. I am praying that God will do as He chooses with the work there.

I met with one of the pastors of Gateway Church on Monday afternoon.They are slow to move because of their size and requests for partnership. I will keep in touch with Troy as to what I am doing in each situation. I am linked with Meet The Need online and that would be the first step for them. They would add my link to their site to see if people in the church would come forward. Again – God has the paintbrush and I will take one step at a time.

My neighbors are still interested also. I think, at this point, it would be best to hook them up with a group in the area who are already ministering so they could get their feet wet and see if this is really for them. They are interested in going to Dallas with me next week for out Monthly Leadership Team Meeting there.

Tomorrow I will go to DeSoto and finalize plans with an apartment manager and a church in that area. I will also be doing some additional training at the church on the 21st of this month.

I will also travel to Irving tomorrow to seek an apartment community where one local church has a desire to minister. I pray that the manager will be open and a new work can begin there.

Great news for February. This will be a rewarding month as new beginnings are occurring. We have 5 new apartment properties in Dallas to begin outreach for. We have already begun in one of them this week. The second one will begin as soon as the pastor meets with the manager. As soon as we can secure 3 more groups, we will begin in the other 3. We also have an open door in DeSoto. I am seeking an appointment with the manager ASAP so the church can begin there. They are anxious to get started. I will also be meeting with 2 churches in the Fort Worth area to explain the process. One other church will be putting together a Ministry Advisory Team of which I will be a part. They are already doing ministry in a VERY large apartment community. I am also mentoring and encouraging my neighbors as they seek to discover what God has for them. Them desire to serve Him full time. The last weekend of the month, I will be going to Alabama for a Missions Conference where I will have the chance to discuss this work with several churches. Sounds exciting doesn’t it. Please pray for these critical times that many will come to know Christ as a result of our obedience!

With 24 days of the new year gone already, the time has been an amazing start for 2012. I am working with a church and apartment community in DeSoto, TX to begin ministry in the next few weeks. There are also several other opportunities opening in Dallas itself. Now to find churches who are willing to go………..

I have also begun working with two new churches in Fort Worth.

I will also begin some traveling to other states within the next few months. I will go to Alabama the end of February, Iowa the end of March, Alaska for a week in April, and on to Hawaii for 6 weeks in April and May.

I am also continuing to write my book. That has slowed down quite a bit since I spend most of my time in the car from place to place or on the computer working with folks in other places.

Christine, apartment manger, states:
There are so many reasons why the Activity Center here at Brittany Park is important that it would take me pages to describe.

Ms. Audrey has been a blessing to us in the simple fact that we are an affordable housing program, and our children need structure and someone to do things with them.

Almost five years ago I asked the management here at Brittany Park if we could start a program for the children. That is when we found DBA and Ms. Audrey. We donated a small one bedroom apartment and designated it as our Activity Center. Ms. Audrey came aboard and did so many wonderful things to the center. It has been a fun place for the children, not just from Brittany Park, but also other children in the surrounding community.

Without the center the children would not have anything other than the two pools, that we have, for activities. We have children here that have very little and Ms. Audrey helps them where she can. It’s not just about playing, they also learn and she helps them with their school work and other activities. Every time that they are all outside, I look and laugh thinking, “There is Mary Poppins with the children all following her”. It is refreshing to see them happy and enjoying themselves. The trips that the church does with the children is enriching for their eager minds also.

I am so excited about the changes and new possibilities for next year. Now only will TMC continue working in the DFW area but also in new places for us.
There will be opportunities in Alabama in February, Iowa in March, Alaska in April, and Hawaii for the month of May. God is opening new doors for believers to get involved in one of the most neglected mission fields in the United States – apartment communities. How blessed I am to be a part of it all!

Title: DFW Area Apartment Ministry Leaders Meeting
Location: Dallas Baptist Association Office, 8001 East R L Thornton Frwy, Dallas, TX 75228
Description: Anyone in the DFW area who is ministering in apartment communities, is welcome to come to the Dallas Baptist Association Office on the 3rd Friday of each month. Our volunteer missionaries meet for support, to share problems, successes, materials, events, resources, and prayer requests. The fellowship is always special. Lunch is served each month. You must register by the Wednesday before each meeting at boden04@clear.net.
Start Time: 10:00am
Date: 2011-12-16
End Time: 12:00PM

Title: Champion Forest Baptist Church Missions Weekend
Location: Champion Forest Baptist Church, Houston, TX
Description: On Sunday, November 12th, there will be a Missions Day at Champion Forest Baptist Church. I will be there to represent Apartment Ministry. I will be speaking to Sunday School Classes in the AM. There will be a Missions Fair at 5pm and a Banquet at 6pm. It should be a great day celebrating missions in all kinds of settings. Come join the celebration!
Start Time: All Day
Date: 2011-11-20