Charlotte's Angels Debut Fashion Show

I found out about Charlotte’s designs by accident, the day I saw a few images of her accessory line on a co-worker’s computer desktop. I was so impressed by the quality of the designs that I inquired who was the creative mind behind these beautiful pieces.

Charlotte, I later learned, lived on The Dream Center’s family floor with her husband and son. They had been accepted into the transitional housing program a few weeks after she and her husband had both lost their jobs and had become homeless. Charlotte was asked during the time that she was interviewed by the staff on the family floor what her future dreams were, and she opened up to them about her passion for fashion design.

Around the time that we first met Charlotte I asked if I could help her with her debut fashion show. Initially, I thought I would be calling a few people on her behalf and setting up some of her social networks for her. Little did I know that within a few short weeks I would be roped into being the event organizer - something I never thought I would do. I would soon learn that saying “no” to Charlotte is almost impossible!

Over the next five months we planned and prepared for Charlotte’s debut fashion event. Charlotte was running around to get her collection completed, I was e-mailing the ever- growing mailing list and figuring out the timing of music and lights, while others were busy making calls to secure models, stylists and hairdressers for the event. The fashion show was now scheduled to take place on Oct 15^th at Angelus Temple.

The week of the event was hectic. One day we had ten models ready to come to the rehearsal, the next day we found out, to our dismay, that five had either dropped out or were not the right stature for a runway model. There was a lot of prayer and a lot of last minute changes that had to take place, but somehow Charlotte was able to pull off an amazing show, which wowed her audience. It was great to see how God enabled her dreams to come true, while she and her family are being supported by The Dream Center.

- Chaka

For more information on the clothing line, please check out Charlotte's Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CharlottesAngels/140768942626875

In a State of ME-ocracy

There is something that is truly freeing when you decide to stop living for yourself. At times it seems to go against everything within us. It is a fault we must constantly toil with that is innate to human character. The simple truth is that this is something the whole world struggles with, and it doesn’t help that this self-seeking behavior has become an attitude which is socially acceptable and justified. With all that said, Christians are still called to “love your neighbor as yourself” - a concept that is at the heart of The Dream Center.

Last week, during an amazing outreach program called Project Prevention, I was gently reminded of how it feels to apply this concept to my daily life. (On a quick side note, Project Prevention is an outreach that brings food and basic essentials to families in the surrounding area that are in danger of losing their kids to foster care). During my time with Project Prevention, the leaders challenged everyone in the small group, of no more than 15, to truly listen to the different testimonies shared by all of the families. More importantly, I was being challenged to remove myself as numero uno in my life. Looking back, what they were really asking of our small group is for just a small period of time to live our lives for someone we may never see again.

Whether it is a bin full of food, a handshake, a cheerful smile, or an encouraging word we were being asked to find a way to truly love our neighbor. We were letting someone else’s problems become our own, sharing in their successes, and especially their failures, and taking a genuine interest in a life other than our own. When this happens the changes are transforming. It is amazing what can happen when someone chooses to get over how important they think they are and become a blessing. When we abandon our state of me-ocarcy, we stop worrying about our personal appearance, status, or possessions, and we find that we gain a peace that truly surpasses all understanding.

It might not come natural to put a complete stranger’s needs in front of your own, but I promise when we finally make this decision it is life changing. In a world obsessed with finding itself, God desires for us to lose ourselves in service to others.

-Nic

Lunch on Skid Row

“I smell like donuts.” The lonely sentence on the back page of my notes seems a little odd, to say the least. Upon an hour or more of digging my hands into two medium-sized donut boxes – with a hair net on my afro-puff, wearing a full-body apron with a rebellious strap continuously finding its way under my shoes, latex gloves making my hands drip with perspiration, leaving a residue of white sticky powder behind – my quirky character considered it necessary to write, “I smell like donuts.” Maybe that was my comedic relief on behalf of the sad situation I witnessed.

The sweet smell of donuts had suddenly been interrupted with the sickly sent of poor hygiene. My sense of smell couldn’t help but remind me of where I was. I hadn’t been there since last December nor had I planned on attending the Under the Bridge outreach that day. I thought I’d stay “safe” and go visit a family in need and see the gentle face of a mother who would receive furniture through one of The Dream Center’s many ministries. The reality is that God wanted me there – on Skid Row – that hot summer day.

On the ride over, I could feel a nervous spirit rise up within me. However, just as quick, I felt my Comforter remind me that I didn’t choose to be there. So since it was a God thing, I knew that it was a good thing. On the contrary to what I thought I’d see on the faces of those on Skid Row, I found smiles and grateful hearts. Their gratitude brought me great relief.

I’ve heard my share of horror stories regarding Skid Row, but I find it to be my duty to respond like Joshua and Caleb and share a positive perspective: God covered us. In the midst of darkness, His light filled the atmosphere and cancelled out negative spirits and activities.

As we drove through the abandoned streets, I prayed that God would cover my eyes so that I would not look on the residents of Skid Row with a “natural” eye. My prayers were answered when all that I could see was God’s children; those He sent His Son to die for – just like He did for me. My heart broke for those who seemed “stuck,” and I found hope that there were some who only seemed to be there for a brief while. Those “temporary” residents of Skid Row reminded me of two people I’ve met in the last 2 years who have the testimony of being delivered from that area and lifestyle. I wish the same to those I met that hot summer day where the flies attacked those delicious donuts they loved so much.

There were signs for “hope” all around the helpless and I immediately wondered if these signs of “hope” were actually false. The signs mentioned resumé building, job placement assistance and other community resources. But as I looked around, I saw people too old to work or to start all afresh. I saw people who seemed to be out of their mind. As I placed a donut on the plates set before me, I occasionally glanced up at our “observers.” One lady just stared into space at something above our heads; maybe she was looking at the sun or at the palm tree behind us. Others watched us as they stood behind the construction posts that kept them a comfortable distance from the table with all the food. From the time I read these signs of “hope” up to now, I continued to wonder if these “resources” would really help them.

There’s a tug on my heart to do more. My job is to tell you the story and like tag – you’re it. What can you do to help? Skid Row is not so bad and dangerous when you bring the Light of Jesus Christ with you. I encourage all who are prayed up and ready to serve, to come out to Skid Row and pray about what you can do to help these poor, hurting people. They are flesh and bones with a heart inside just like you and I. Let us not be afraid of one another, but may our hearts break as we seek God to help those in need – here at Skid Row and all over the world.

- LaQuesha

Risks Can Be Rewarding

For those of you thinking about getting involved in daily ministry at The Dream Center, which we need, here are some observations I’ve made just a couple months into my One Year Internship:

1. It’s Not Easy. I heard those three words numerous times before I moved and it’s true. (Now don’t let this be the only thing you remember from this post. I will explain, so please keep reading.) Pastors, friends, and family all told me how full-time ministry can wear a person down. Although true, they almost all left out my next point…

2. I Haven’t Had a Bad Day. Now how can my first two points coincide? Although I may not have all the home cooking, material things, or money I would like, I have never felt this fulfilled in my entire life. The sense of purpose I sense every moment is more than I can put into words.

3. It’s Not What I Expected…and for that I am grateful. When others heard that I would be quitting my job and moving across the country to volunteer, they couldn’t understand why I was giving up financial security and the familiarities of home to volunteer. After a while, I naturally began to think about the things I would be missing. However, I have learned and received much more than what I gave up.

The list and examples could go on, but I want to be brief. What I want you to know is – don’t let trivial thoughts and fears keep you from a great, life-changing experience. Whether it’s coming to The Dream Center or doing something at home, taking a risk can take away regrets.