May 2023 Newsletter
ANTS RULE

Entomologists (folks who study bugs) always vote ants as the most resilient bug on earth. I would heartily agree. Growing up, our family lived on an ant hill. Those critters were impossible to exterminate. They survived countless rounds of bug spray, ant traps, bug goo, fire, and flood! No matter what we did, there would be a trail of them into our home when we would return from our summer vacations. Persistence was in their DNA!

Those ants brought tenacity to their pursuit. One might say they had a total commitment to their cause! Spiritual persistence and resiliency are tough traits to grow and mature in our modern culture. But God wants us to have it in spades. He is delighted when we persistently ask him for answers. Most of us want instant answered prayer or a sanctified walk with Christ. But there are stretches of life where having faith is really hard. The death of loved ones, illness, unemployment, addictions, or simply unexplainable trials. 

So how do we get “persistence?” Jesus told his disciples to persevere when times are tough. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9-10). Jesus was serious when it comes to persistence. He invites us to bring to him every aspect of our lives in prayer-persistent prayer. I am more convinced than ever of this practice of persistent prayer. It almost seems like God tests my endurance and measures out my seriousness about an issue based upon my willingness to pray about it. If we are aligned with God and our requests reflect such alignment, we are to be persistent and expect God to answer.

It takes persistence every day to do our work with the homeless. I am not asking for any applause. It is just a reality in our ministry. There is routine heartbreak, disappointment, and dashed hopes when those we work with walk back into a life of addiction and brokenness, particularly if they have tasted a new life. But we can remain hopeful and persistent knowing that we are saved and redeemed because of God’s wonderful persistent love for each of us. 
I appreciate your prayers and support for our work with the homeless.

Blessings to you!

Pastor Jim

If you have any questions, prayer requests or other issues, call us at 303-860-1272 or email us at info@christsbody.org.
PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
Last month we were introduced to a new guest by the name of Marcus. His family chose to seek help from Christ's Body Ministries not only because they needed homeless resources, but also because we all need the body of Christ to be a positive influence in our lives. We’re grateful that they made that call!  

Due to the transient nature of the homeless community, often people ask us for help but rarely follow through to receive that help for a myriad of reasons. Unlike many guests, Marcus consistently followed through on his appointments at CBM. When Marcus said he would be here, he would. He even showed up on days that we were closed but that didn’t stop him coming back! It is quite a testimony of perseverance. 

Over the course of the month we were able to get him a new backpack, bus passes, food and clothes. During one of his visits, Marcus told us about a job interview that he was going to have trouble getting to. It's not everyday that CBM can be a part of guests making that step in life, so we jumped at the opportunity. With charitable dollars, we were able to to pay for an Uber ride to get Marcus to his interview that was quite some distance from CBM; and lo and behold, Marcus got the job! 

Fast forward a couple weeks and Marcus now has his job and has been working consistently. This is a great story at Christ’s Body Ministries, but more than just an inspiring story, Marcus would not let challenging circumstances get in the way of him taking major steps forward in his life. Way to go Marcus! Persistence pays off. 
YOUR GIFT THIS MONTH WILL BE MATCHED!!
Please consider an additional gift this month?

We are grateful you continue to faithfully support our efforts to serve!

Our deadline to reach the $25,000 goal is May 31, 2023!!

Your financial gift will be matched- doubling your donation!

Please join us in the amazing opportunity!
A SMALL GROUP MAKES A BIG IMPACT!
We never know when or how God is going to show up, we just know He is always with us. When groups come down to CBM to volunteer it just seems like the Lord blesses that time in some special way. In April, a small group from Red Rocks Church showed up for several hours to assemble and distribute lunches along with a box full of hygiene kits that they had put together prior to arrival. This “caravan of care” took to the streets with us to meet individuals right where they are… on the corner or living in a tent, offering provision and prayer.

The mobile outreach effort is crucial to accomplishing our ultimate goal: sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. By consistently attempting to reach individuals, over a period of time we can get to know them. We can establish trust and build confidence in our intentions; To love them, serve them, and share the gift of Jesus. Small Groups like our Red Rocks volunteers allow us to do that with greater impact and effectiveness, further spreading the hope and love found in Jesus! 

Thank you to Red Rocks Church and this small group for committing to this time of serving and fellowship! When we join together to be the hands and feet of Jesus, not only are we able to do kingdom work with those experiencing the loneliness that accompanies being homeless, we strengthen the bonds of fellowship which solidify our own relationship with Christ.

If you are considering volunteering with CBM, I encourage you to follow that calling and come see the amazing grace of God’s love in action on one of our many outreach opportunities! Our presence on the streets of Denver over a sustained period of time is proving to bear fruit, and this effort has been put in all of our charge… to build His Kingdom.