AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER

A NOTE FROM BRYAN

“Poverty is not just a lack of money, it is not having the capability to realize one’s full potential as a human being.”

– Amartya Sen

Many of you know that I believe in helping people help themselves. Although there will always be some situations that will require emergency one way giving services, these services should be temporary. Recurring handouts help build dependency while a hand up, develops self-sufficiency and integrity, keeping one’s self-worth and value intact. Simply providing the tools to empower someone struggling to pull themselves up helps develop a sense of self-worth and hope. I believe people have the power to make better choices when given the right tools and by not enabling, we restore people’s dignity to make meaningful decisions. But not everyone is willing to put the work in. I think Paul said it best -

¹⁰Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”

– 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Bryan Stallings

Founder, Elevate Branson

POVERTY EDUCATION

The summer months are when we typically see an increase in our homeless neighbors and friends. Many come to Branson looking for a job and then find housing to be limited or too expensive. They end up on a street corner panhandling but that isn’t the answer. Watch this video from my friend James Whitford at True Charity about how we as a community can truly help panhandlers.

ELEVATE APARTMENTS UPDATE

We have an opportunity to purchase the motel that’s in our parking lot. The owner would like to sell it to Elevate Branson for the appraised value which is $680,000. This is a big win as they have always thought it was worth considerably more than the appraised value. Amy and I have prayed for that property for almost 16 years but we could never come to agreement with owner on price. Our vision is to put in 18 – 2 bedroom apartments for single parent housing. We are looking for either a donor that would purchase it for us or someone other than a bank that would be willing to carry the note at a discounted rate for the ministry. Securing the property would allow us an alternative for potential donors that might have a heart for single parents and children versus adults in the tiny house community. Also, if we own the property it opens opportunities for grants to be able to rehab it. Much like the tiny house development there is available funding for housing but you have to own the property/ground. If you would more information about how you could help don’t hesitate to call us at 417.335.9915.

ELEVATE OUTREACH & ELEVATE LIFE

You have probably heard that we have changed up Elevate Outreach to be the first Thursday of every month for meal making and meal delivery and the other Thursdays for a new program called Elevate Life. The best way to describe Elevate Life is a hybrid of church, small group and Celebrate Recovery. It is a gathering of people that share a hot meal together, listen to some music, watch a video and discuss issues in life that we all have questions about. It has been truly inspiring to see those that are far from God begin to explore Jesus. Come join us from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. as we seek out who God is and why He matters in our life today. If you have questions and need a safe place to explore, this is for you.

PRAYER EVENT

We held our community wide prayer event on Friday, July 26th, from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. What is a community prayer event you ask? It was just that. A gathering of individuals in the community that comes together and prays for different segments of our community such as our local police department, fire fighters, our local churches, and many more. We know God has the power to transform these segments for the better of our community at large and for 2024 we have been having these prayer events every quarter. Our next one will be held October, 25th at 11:00 A.M. Everyone is welcome to attend.

CURRENT STAFF BOOK

Our staff just wrapped our reading of God for the Rest of Us by my friend Vince Antonucci. God for the Rest of Us will wake you up to the outrageous, extravagant, and sometimes even scandalous love of God for the rest of us―whether you think you are unfit or a misfit, an underdog or overlooked, the least or the lost, the left behind or the left out. Vince Antonucci, a pastor who reaches out to people on the Las Vegas Strip, has seen it all―and more important, he has seen God’s love in action on each and every street corner. Vince is convinced that too many of us underestimate God and the scope of his love. Is God for the people who are forgotten and left out? Is He for the guy who betrayed his wife and left his kids? Is He for the doubters? The skeptics? The atheists? The answers to these questions can be found in the lives of people Vince meets. As you read their stories of transformation, you’ll begin to imagine how your life could be changed if you truly believe that you are loved with a perfect love. You’ll catch a glimpse of God―who is greater than your wildest dreams.

God for the Rest of Us

Join us next month as we read the book that started it all for Elevate Branson - The Irresistible Revolution, Updated and Expanded: Living as an Ordinary Radical

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Looking to give back to the community? We have several volunteer opportunities available this month:

• Tutors for our education programs
• Cooks for our Elevate Life program
• Landscapers for our Playground

If you're interested, please sign up on our website or contact our volunteer coordinator at Volunteer@ElevateBranson.org.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

A heartfelt thank you to our generous donors who make our work possible. Your contributions have a direct impact on the lives of many in our community. Together, we are making a difference.

STAY CONNECTED

Thank you for being a part of the Elevate Branson family. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to make a positive impact together.

Warm regards,

The Elevate Branson Team

Swing by on your morning commute or stop in for a mid-day pick-me-up! Elevate Coffee provides hand crafted espresso based drinks, refreshing smoothies, and delicious desserts. Now featuring daily lunch specials!

Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Open For Business!

Come find a treasure at the Elevate Thrift Store while helping our neighbors and community prosper! All purchases support the programs at Elevate Branson.

Hours

Monday – Friday: 9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Saturday: 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Get Involved And Make A Difference!

Call 417.335.9915 or email Info@ElevateBranson.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities where your time and talents can empower others to reach their full potential.