best interview ever, really

got this from scott

Goalies and Burgers

I don't like the golden arches but do like the 'tude of this little guy!

Bruins Faith Night 09

Faith Night 09 was on Friday, February 20th when the Bruins hosted the Rockets.  

It was worth all the effort leading up to the event.  This was my first large event that I was a part of - the Bruins staff put on one every home game.  I am amazed at how much work goes into putting on a WHL hockey game.  There are the rink operations staff, the Bruins staff, people that we brought in from the community to promote their cause and the band Sterr who provided great music for us.  It was a lot of co-ordinating for everyone.  

I was left with so many impressions.  The Bruins staff were wonderful.  They wanted to make this event positive for everyone and they went out of their way to do so.   Thanks Barry, Derek, Vanni, Jacob, Andrea, Janice, Zelda, Robbie and Randy.  The coaches, Jim and Dan were very supportive and assisted us with the players when we needed to have their involvement.  

The causes/agencies that came in to promote their cause, they were all very positive about how things went for them.  MCC, Worldvision, Salvation Army, Hungry for Life, BC Teen Challenge, Stoney Creek Expeditions, Unity Christian School were terrific to work with and I'm so glad they were all there.  Hopefully they will be back and maybe be able to have an additional 4-8 more causes/agencies.

The Prospera staff were very helpful and wanted to make this event a positive one and their contributions certainly paved the way.  Thanks Lars, Greg (and his staff) and Willa.

Heartland was tremendous in giving me the permission and blessing to be involved with Faith Night.  Many too were at the game.  

Looking forward to Faith Night 2010.  

Complexity of Issues Surrounding Homelessness

A blog I read regularily - Jordon Cooper - has a great article about the complexity of big picture solutions to homelessness. He works for the Salvation Army two provinces to the right.

This is worth reading:

I was recently with the Inner City Council of Churches giving a presentation on homelessness. It was a good time and at the end of the talk, there was a Q & A time where someone said, "While we all want to do something, we don’t have the resources or the expertise to do all of it. We need to get behind and support those that do have the expertise." It was a nice thought and I appreciate the encouragement and support of the churches in the inner city of Saskatoon. They deal with the same clients that we do and have similar experiences.

more here

Mason and Baja Fresh and Homeless In LA

I love Baja fresh and the two fish tacos were just off the grill as I sat down outside. I had two wonderful bites when an older gentleman walked around the corner and we both noticed each other. He had layers of clothes, soiled ball cap, and walked slowly. "Do you think they serve beer in there now?" he asked. This was a fast food place without a liquor license. "I don't think they do yet." I replied. "Would you have some spare change for a 62 year old to buy some food?" he asked. I welcomed the company, "No change, but I have a fish taco here and if you'd like to sit down with me and we can have lunch together."

He told me his name is Mason and that 15 years ago he was married and had kids, but life became tough and he took off. He disappeared for over 6 years and when he came back on the grid, he no longer had a drivers license, birth certificate and he found out that he was actually dead - not really but considered. So, here he was ready to try life again and he didn't exists. He said he served in Vietnam, had a degree in computer technology, but his eye site was so bad he can't see the screen. He tried to get his disability checks going again, but the paper work without any ID was too tough. He is trying to get his old age security going, but it is proving to be really tough. So, he is living hand to mouth and having lunches with strangers who are eating alone.

Mason is one of tens of thousands of people in the Los Angeles area who are living on the streets. Many of their stories have common themes, hardship, addictions, and handicaps with no options - so it seems. Mason's friendly outgoing personality is serving him well. So many are much worse off. He did like fish tacos (which makes him a brother in my books), said they were one of his favorites. I didn't need all the food anyways.

Glad to have met Mason.