…Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

~George Washington’s Farewell Address

Several years ago a well known sports figure announced that he did not want to be a role model and that we should not expect him to be. Unfortunately there are times we cannot control how people watch and emulate us.  Recently I was humbled and blessed.  I have a sister in Christ who is a teacher.  During Red Ribbon Week she assigned her students to write about a role model in their lives.   Not too long ago I found out that Mary Baker at GODTEL was chosen by one of the young ladies in her class.  When I read the short piece, tears came to my eyes and I was deeply touched.  The truth of the matter is that I know I am nothing and if my Jesus showed through my words and actions then I give Him all the credit and glory.  I thank the Lord for this young girl and pray that He will continue to grow and use her in His service for many years.  God bless you.

Dan (not his real name) checked into GODTEL January 2008.  He was not a healthy man.  Days passed and he regained his strength.  He was attending Bible Study, a requirement for staying here.  From time to time he would come into the office and ask questions about God and the Bible.  He got well enough to get a job.  Dan moved out.  Things did not go well for him.  He would come by and say he would be checking in again, but he didn’t.  One day, in desperation, a friend brought Dan back to GODTEL.  His health, once again, was in decline.  Dan got another job.  He worked the night shift.  We found out that he was abusing his prescription medicines.  We told him to stop.  He continued in this behavior.  Dan had to move out.  That was a Friday.

Sunday morning he was dead.   Of course, we did not know the details of his death, but with his already bad heart condition and misusing prescription meds, his body could not handle it and it broke down and died.  We do not and will not believe that Dan took his life that early Sunday morning.  One memory I have is Dan coming into the office several times and saying he wanted what Martin and I had which, of course, is Jesus.  I believe he knew how to get “what we had”, but was not willing to give up control of his life to God.  Why is it so hard to let down the burdens of our life?  We can walk with a spring or trudge along with that heavy baggage on our shoulders.  We have a tiny bit of hope that sometime between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning that Dan decided to let Jesus carry his burdens, but we won’t know until we pass on to walk on those streets of gold ourselves.  We will miss him.

Our guest cooks were faithful in their attendance.  One Wednesday three students from Central High School came to serve the evening meal.  A quick talk and tour of GODTEL was given.  The girls served with willing hands and cheerful smiles.  They hope to return and serve again.  Several of our folks, residents and helpers, spent time in the hospital this past month.  They have returned and have responded positively to their medical care.  A new president has been sworn into office.  Remember, no matter what your personal politics are we are here to lift up our leaders in prayer.  Bob went for his one month check-up in Houston.  All is healing well.  He will go back in June for his next report.  Todd is still on kitchen duty.

With our guest cooks and Martin and I putting on our chef hats nobody will go hungry at GODTEL.  James is manning the resident phone and helping in the kitchen.  John asked to stay and help around here.  We have him doing some clean-up work around the place.  A couple of our guys work the night shift.  Huey works at a local nursing home.  Don works at Brookshire Bros. stocking the shelves so we consumers will have plenty to choose from when we head to buy groceries during DAY time hours.  Our day workers have jobs at Pilgrim’s, a computer shop, a tire store, and a roofing business.

Lonnie arrived the second day of January.  He was literally broken.  His face was black and blue and red from being hit so many times.  He had some broken ribs from the violent attack on him.  He had no where to go and could hardly move without hurting.  Each day as he rested and ate regular meals he regained his health and strength.  It became obvious to him that he needed a change in his life.  He listened to the Bible studies twice daily. About a week after his arrival to GODTEL Lonnie made a life changing decision.  He asked Jesus into his heart and made him Savior and Lord.  Martin encouraged and assigned extra Bible reading to Lonnie got a bus ticket and is now in Florida, mending relationships with his family.  We pray for Lonnie’s continued growth in the Lord.  Sadly, we had a few who had to leave because they broke the rules.  Positive results on a drug test or breath-a-lizer, not showing up for Bible study, and lying are the reasons for residents leaving this month.

Kim came and Kim went.  Kim had no place to go.  She arrived the first week of January.  Her son was with his dad.  Kim had some problems she needed to get under control.  With proper medication she has been doing well.  While here Kim went looking for a job.  She also looked into other options for her future.  She found a ministry that will be able to help her on a more one-on-one training.  She and her son have moved into the ministry facility.  We are excited for her.  Kim will learn parenting skills, cooking/nutrition, financing and budgeting information.  She will also have more in depth Bible study.  Please pray for Kim that she will be able to commit herself to this great opportunity.

We praise God that GODTEL was here for Kim, Lonnie, and Dan.  We thank you for your support so that we can be here for these hurting people.  Some hear and respond and others will tolerate the rules to have a place to stay.  We are here because God chose us to serve him at GODTEL.

In Christ’s Service

Martin and Mary Baker