Spring Newsletter
The Living Room of Heartside
Nothing tests unconditional love like a big family get together. A living room filled with unique personalities, conflict, uncomfortable conversations—we have all been there. Can you imagine living with your extended family every day? The first floor of Dégagé Ministries has often been called "the living room" of Heartside. It is here that our patrons find unconditional love and respite. For many of them, family ties are broken or have ceased to exist. On a day-to-day basis, when rubber meets the road, they turn to each other—they are each other’s family. This big "family get together" is nothing like we might imagine. Sure, there may be occasional conflict, but this family truly exemplifies to the rest of us what unconditional love really is. There is a mutual understanding and an acceptance of each other’s flaws and personalities There is a tolerance for all walks of life. Each family member at Dégagé brings something unique. Each brings diversity—not just racial diversity, but diversity of talents, personality, culture, and past experiences. Walk into the "living room" and you may find Beverly making bracelets or Berta sewing an elaborate cloak. You may see Jerry and Tommy playing dominos, "Suspender Dan" sorting through his latest purchases from Goodwill, Cecil reading the Bible, Bartolo eating breakfast, Rico cleaning the floor, or Sandy and George sitting back and watching it all while drinking a cup of coffee. There is a rhythm, a balance, an understanding that fills the space. Like every family, each person has their own unique role. As we strive to "reflect the love of Christ" to all who come through Dégagé’s door, we desire for each individual to know that they are beautiful and loved children of God. We celebrate their differences and embrace their personalities. We are thankful for the way Christ makes Himself known through each of His children. 
Love Each Other As I Have Loved You
One of my favorite quotes is from St. Francis of Assisi, "Preach the gospel always and when necessary, use words." Have you seen the gospel being preached at Dégagé lately? I certainly have. I think of the words of the Apostle Peter where he said in Acts 3:6 "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, I give thee." In these tough economic times resources that are usually reserved for the population we serve are now going to people who have been downsized and laid off from a job they held for 20 years. The people who come through our doors don’t have much but what they have, they share readily. Here are some scenes observed around Dégagé recently: We see between 400 – 500 people every day at Dégagé and are able to help numerous people get their State of Michigan ID, or offer assistance paying for their prescription, or help them fill out the paper work to secure housing. But often the most important thing we do is treat them with dignity and respect and assure them that they are loved. Just like Jesus does for us. These are challenging times when our services are needed more than ever. A day doesn’t go by without a word of appreciation being offered to us for being here. Please lift the staff, volunteers and patrons up in prayer as we "preach the gospel always, and when necessary, use words." John 15:12: My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.
Give Me You Eyes, Lord
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me." Jesus, Matthew 25:40 This article was written by Vanessa Peters, a volunteer in the Open Door Women’s Drop-In Center. ur pastor had gave a sermon a few weeks back based on Francis Chan’s book, "Crazy Love." We watched the video for one of my favorite songs, "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath. The whole idea of looking around, loving our neighbor, moving outside our comfort zones -- well, it sounded great. I volunteered to host a "Jewelry Party" for the women at Dégagé. Time to see some action. Armed with bags of beads and brownies, we ventured into the unknown. Some of the women were a little timid at first, but as we munched and made bracelets, they began to open up. One woman, a recent rehab wash-out, had just gotten out of jail and needed to get back to Detroit to report to her parole officer. Could we give her a ride or buy her a bus ticket? How humbling to realize that she didn’t have a friend to call and simply could not afford a $27 bus ticket to go home. Another middle-aged woman, actually quite joyful, had NEVER IN HER LIFE been outside the greater Grand Rapids area. Completely floored, I began to think about what type of prison some of these women lived in, physical or otherwise. When a few ladies finished their bracelets, I said, "Here, let’s make another one for a family member or a friend." One simply looked at me and said, "I ain’t got nobody else." I thought my heart might break right there. Some of the women were old, some young. Some looked homeless, others looked fairly well-to-do. We were told that the ladies who sleep there range from transients to those fleeing domestic abuse to those whose homes had been foreclosed. One woman had perfect razor blade scars up and down her young arms indicating that she had intentionally cut herself. While we were there, a woman became belligerent. Not sure what to do, we helplessly looked on while the Director tried to diffuse the situation. Two officers showed up shortly after that. The woman loudly and emotionally protested. Fairly painful to watch, we began to pray silently for this broken and bruised child of God. Then I witnessed one of the sweetest things I think I’ve ever seen. This bulky, seemingly hardened police officer picked up the girl’s coat that had gotten lost in the shuffle and gently placed it over her head and around her shoulders. With hands cuffed behind her, she couldn’t have done that for herself. "It’s cold outside," he said. "I want you to stay warm while we make our way out to the squad car." What a beautiful picture of how our Lord treats us. Sometimes we go kicking and screaming from a place we think we should be. And yet, he lovingly calls us out to keep us from harming ourselves or others. If necessary, he forcibly removes us, because it’s in our best interest. But He remains a kind and gentle Father, and cares for our needs even when we’re ugly and unlovable. After they left, we secured the bus ticket for our new friend and offered a simple "God bless you" to the rest of the women we’d met that night. I’m not naive enough to think that we saved these women from anything in two hours, but I do think we shared Christ’s love. And perhaps this trip was just as much or more for us than it was for them. As we left that evening, we had a renewed appreciation for our blessings. Even in difficult economic times, we all had a car to drive and loved ones to return to. As we drove home, we prayed for God’s hand upon these women, and thanked Him for the opportunity to see beyond our own little worlds. That night, I laid in my warm bed awake for a long time, listening to the 50-mile an hour winds howling outside my window. For the first time, I thought more seriously about folks who literally had no place to go, some who might even be sleeping on the streets and feeling that cold wind this very night. "Give me Your eyes, Lord" I prayed, thinking again of that Brandon Heath song. "Give me your eyes for just one second."
Save the Date
Golf Outing - June 3, 2009 We are pleased to announce that Hansen Collision, Inc. has chosen Dégagé Ministries to be one of the recipient of funds raised through their 10th annual Charity Golf Outing. This event will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at the Meadows Golf Club in Allendale, MI. Hansen Collision would like to invite you to participate in their golf outing by either joining them on June 3rd to golf or by sponsoring the event financially. To register, please contact Sarah from Hansen Collision at 361-7044 X13 or sfuhs@hansencollision.com. Take It To The Streets - Sept. 19, 2009 Dégagé Ministries’ 9th Annual Walk-a-thon, Take It To The Streets, will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2009. The event features a walk through the Heartside Neighborhood that highlights topics important to our community. The event is perfect for individuals, families, youth groups, school groups and businesses. Contact Hollie@DegageMinistries.org or (616) 454-1661 to sign up your group or get more information. Take It To The Top - Nov. 20, 2009 Join us on Friday, November 20th for the 9th Annual Take It To The Top. The event will be held at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner & dessert, entertainment and access to Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas Around the World. Please contact Catherine at (616) 454-1661 for information about sponsorship opportunities.
There's More Than One Way To Give
During these trying economic times, it is always challenging to find funding. But there are many ways you can help Dégagé continue to provide for the residents of Heartside, and these methods do not involve your pocketbook. Consider these unconventional ways of assisting Dégagé: Get the word out: Building relationships is pivotal to the mission of Dégagé, and it is not limited to our patrons. Telling friends or family about Dégagé provides an opportunity to cultivate new donors and volunteers for our organization. Speak to Your Employers: There are many ways businesses can participate at Dégagé. Ask your employer to consider Corporate Sponsorship for our annual events, Take it to the Top and Take It to the Streets. This is a great opportunity to assist Dégagé and advertise to the community at the same time. Companies can also create a matching program that involves Dégagé. Matching programs are a great way to connect business to the community, and allow employees to contribute as well. Why not make your contribution double its worth? Churches: Speak with church leaders about considering Dégagé as a benefactor for support. We would love to partner with your Christian organization or church! Dégagé staff is always available to present to congregations or small groups. In-Kind Donations: As the number of individuals we serve continues to grow, so does our need for supplies. Holding product drives at work, churches, and schools can provide Dégagé with the resources it needs to function day-to-day. Please view our wish list on the back of this newsletter or visit our website at www.degageministries.org. These ideas are all small things that can make a big difference at Dégagé. Thank you for your continued support in our ministry!
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