Greetings C.O.O.L. PEOPLE!

Thank you for visiting our COOLunication page. We hope that as you look around our web page and start to understand God’s heart for this ministry, soon your heart will follow and you will make the choice to volunteer June 5th and become a part of Team C.O.O.L.!
 

This page will become a very important component of the C.O.O.L. Day preparations as we get closer to June 5th. Not only will there be important details for all to know so the day runs smoothly—things such as where to park, where to pick up your T-shirt, connecting with your Neighborhood Project Director and Home Coordinator but also and we believe most importantly--several of the C.O.O.L. Staff members will be sharing devotionals, heart meditations, principles of unity, that the Lord lays on their heart to prepare us to have the right heart attitude as we serve the Summit Academy neighbors in agape love. 

May 13, 2010
Entry #1: Saturday Chores and the Importance of Unity
By Lindsey Jo Bailey

I've always hated matching socks. Saturday mornings are for this sort of chore, and for this reason, I've always hated Saturday chores. I've just never seemed to perfect the art of matching a sock with its corresponding sock of the same size and color, and what about all those left over white ones?! It's simply frustrating and I although I would like to avoid it at all costs, it must be done. We need socks.

One particular Saturday, I was having an especially hard time matching socks. I was overwhelmed, to say the least, and almost in tears. I wanted to be done. My Dad must have noticed my hardship and called in the team, because the next thing I knew, He and three of my sisters were sitting cross-legged with me on the floor, piles of assorted socks all around. "We can get this done if we do this together," Dad encouraged, and with our eyes set on the finish line, we worked and sorted, matched and triumphed, throwing socks to each other and asking "pass that yellow and gray one from over there, please."

The weather is warming now, and sandal season is coming, which, to my delight means less sock-matching, but I know without a doubt other chores and difficulties will arise and more than anything I need to know I'm not alone.
We are not meant to be alone.

In fact, Jesus always sent His disciples out in pairs, and the early church is the story of a people who were together, and who were of one heart and mind, sharing all in common. When the Holy Spirit came on the early church in Antioch, Jews and Gentiles alike united in worship and shared life together like a family. They weren't sure what to make of this new union, because they had only known Jews and Gentiles separately. So they decided to make a new name and called themselves "Christians" (Acts 11:26).  They became united in this because Christianity was a new identity, neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, slave nor free (Gal. 3:28).

Today, the church--the capital C church, a community of God's disciples, is to be united the same, as a body. We're all different, like a huge pile of mismatched socks, but together, we are something beautiful and powerful.

A body is a unit--made of many unique parts with their own unique functions, but together, they form one body. All the parts of the body must work together for anything to get accomplished. Imagine the impossibility of matching socks if the eye were to say to the hand, I do not wish to work with you!! Each part is important and each must be focused on the same goal.

I learned awhile ago, a quote from the brilliant Helen Keller. She said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." From my experiences in serving, loving, yes, even sock matching, I've found this so true.

Ultimately, what I'm getting at is that we need each other and we're in this together.
We need each other so that we can be encouraged and inspired, strengthened and   united. We need each other to do the things we're best at--to be an ear if you're an ear, or an eye if you're an eye. We need to feed each other hope as we press on together toward the same goal. Otherwise, the socks will never be matched.

So, may we move forward, together. May we live together, work together, pray together. Bring your laughter and your pain, your youthful dreams, and your age old-wisdom. Let's build together.



Psalm 33:1
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!"

Colossians 3:15
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Ephesians 4: 3-6
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
 

 May 13, 2010
Entry #2: Being Prepared to Run the Good Race
By Sandy Stark

My dear daughter-in-law, Polly Stark, has recently been teaching me some great life lessons. About three months ago she told me of her decision to start running. Her goal is to run 5K races about once a month. She started her training slowly, but steadily, and in a few weeks she ran her first race with good results. Her second race, three weeks ago, was much better. And she is looking to improve that next month. Polly has much more energy, has toned up, and even lost a few pounds (although she surely didn’t need to).

When I think about C.O.O.L. next month, I can see the challenge put before me. Like my daughter-in-law, I want to be prepared to give this ministry my very best. For one thing, I’m starting to really get excited. Whenever I get together with friends, we’re always comparing notes about what to pray for this week. We can see God meeting one need after another. It’s amazing!

In just a little over three weeks we’ll be gathering together to make a dynamic impact on dear people in the Summit Area. So what can we do to make this a day of blessing for all those involved?

I have to return to prayer time and time again that God would be glorified in all of this; I registered for C.O.O.L. on the website several weeks ago; I’ve got my list before me with the required tools, flowers, and soil that I will need; and My home coordinator and I have talked twice already, so hopefully he is ready to go as well.

God is challenging all of us to run the race set before us. The goal is not to come in first, but to be found faithful. I have resolved to prepare myself for the C.O.O.L. Event on June 5th!! I’m looking forward to seeing hundreds of my brothers and sisters in Christ on that day as we work together to change lives for Jesus’ kingdom. Hope that I will see you there prepared and ready to bless others as we work together.

Hebrews 12:1
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

 

May 17, 2010
Entry #3:Be Like A Gumby
By Sandy Stark

It is getting closer to the big day, the C.O.O.L. Event of JUNE 5th, when Jesus followers lovingly descend on Summit Area to demonstrate the very reason we live to share Christ's love with our neighbors through actions, and hopefully, even in words.

One lesson I learned in C.O.O.L. 2009 on Henry Avenue is that I have to adapt to just about any situation. Cindy likes to tell us to be like Gumbys, flexible and willing to change easily if needed. This is not an easy task for me. I tend to think linear. If I do a certain task, I'll get a specific result, and people will react accordingly. Guess what! It doesn't often work that way in situations such as with C.O.O.L. Events. So many people, so many tasks, and so few hours. It's all about being willing to change in a moment's notice.

When you think about it, isn't there a parallel between flexibility in
service (such as C.O.O.L.) and flexibility with our bodies? When we physically exercise, we know that taking time to stretch beforehand helps prepare our body for a vigorous workout with less pain after wards. Using that same analogy, when we spiritually participate in ministry, taking time to stretch our spirits and our minds by listening to God's leading helps prepare us to be more effective for Christ's kingdom.

* Will our plans be fully realized?
Probably not.

* Will there be changes to our expectations?
Absolutely.

* Will things go smoothly?
Sounds sort of boring, I think.

* Will all our efforts be appreciated?
The Residents are so sweet and kind. But if things don' t work out the way we think, it's not about us anyway.

As we go to our Father and ask him what he wants to accomplish, may we experience the joy in knowing that we are his hands, his feet, his mouth,and his ambassadors. God will direct us even in the most unlikely circumstances.

Isaiah 30:21
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it."

 

May 25, 2010
Entry #4: Unexpected LoveBomb
By Cindy Mandrell & Kristin Potler

http://www.lovefeasttable.com
http://circlesministries.blogspot.com/
http://potlertribe.blogspot.com

 

Last week, I was home with Little Man.  I got a call from Miss Preschool.  She was my daughter’s preschool teacher over 4 years ago.  The preschool is in a church up the street.  Miss Preschool began to tell me about a problem she was having and she didn’t know what to do.  “Kristin, there are these two young people sleeping outside the doorway to the preschool.  They were here yesterday.  The church wants me to call the police and have them arrested.  But, I just don’t feel right about it.  You came to mind.”  I asked Miss Preschool a couple of questions and gave her some suggestions, it was then I heard it in her voice.  Fear.  “This is so far out of my comfort zone.  I don’t know what to do,” she said.  I asked her, “Do you want me to come up there and help?”  I heard a sigh of relief.  “Would you?”

 

 

I quickly turned on the cast iron skillet and cooked up some eggs and ham.  I toasted a couple of English muffins and made sandwiches.  I loaded Little Man in the car.  When I got there, the couple was still asleep under their blankets.  They had a stroller loaded with all their possessions.  I went in to get Miss Preschool and drop Little Man off to play with the kids.  We went outside.  “Good morning!” I said.  “I have a hot breakfast for you!  Time to get up.”  I heard the couple mumble under their blankets, “Really?”  “Yup” I said. “But, you have to get up.”  Miss Preschool and I waited for the drowsy couple to pull themselves together.  It’s kind of weird to be so close to someone’s personal space.  I mean, how many friends have you stood over when they were waking up?

 

They sat up.  I introduced myself and Miss Preschool and handed them their breakfast.  We sat down on the lawn and waited.  As they started to eat, I began to ask them about their story.  *Mary said they had been on the streets for a couple of months.  She had gotten in a fight with her dad because her dad didn’t like her boyfriend *Tim.  I asked if they were looking for a place to stay…had they tried the shelters?  Tim said, “They won’t let us stay together in the shelters because we’re not married.  We don’t want to be separated.” I asked them what they needed.  “How can we help you?”  I don’t think they get asked that question very often.  They just looked at me.  Then Mary spoke up, “Can I use your bathroom?”  “Sure,” I exclaimed as I hopped to my feet.

 

Miss Preschool was a little concerned that the church wouldn’t be happy with me inviting her in.  I said, “I’ll take the heat for this one!”  About 15 minutes later Mary emerged from the restroom looking freshly washed and changed.  I was so glad to have a few minutes with her.  You see, I’ve been working with a friend on starting transitional housing for under aged girls who want to leave the sex industry.  I’ve been receiving training and basically just having my eyes opened to the reality of how prevalent this industry is.  I was pretty sure Mary was working the streets to help (said) boyfriend.  She denied it of course, but all the signs said other wise.  I asked her what she needed.  Again, she wasn’t sure how to answer.  “Do you need clothes? Shampoo? A clean towel?”  She slowly began to roll off a list.  I gave her my number and told her to give me some time to pull it all together.

Miss Preschool and I walked her to the door.  I let Tim and Mary know that even though I understood they needed a place to sleep, they couldn’t sleep in front of the preschool.  We said our goodbyes.

 

I went inside with Miss Preschool and she began to cry.  “This just breaks my heart,” she said.  “But, Kristin, you made it look so easy, so natural.”

It doesn’t take much to make someone feel special, even for a moment.  I can’t solve their problems.  They really didn’t want to change their circumstances.  But, for a moment, they received a hot meal (not peanut butter and jelly), I asked them about themselves and what they need.  For a moment, they were treated with dignity and shown a little love.  Have you everLoveBombed someone?  Would you?

*Names have been changed.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Cindy Mandrell
Cindy loves to sit on her porch and read, take her dog Mocha for walks, and start her day with old-fashioned hot oatmeal and strawberries! As a Youth With A Mission missionary, Cindy has traveled the world telling others about Jesus, but as a graduate of Lehman High School her Canton home is where her heart-focus is these days.She is so proud that some of her childhood friends from the hood consist of board of education member and attorney Rich Milligan, appeals court judge John Wise, an attorney who has argued more cases in the Supreme Court than anyone else Carter Phillips, and the greatest rock drummer ever Joe Vitale! Cindy knows living in the in the Summit neighborhood are future lawyers, rock drummers, artists, business executives, teachers, mayors, pastors, presidents... waiting to be given HOPE! Cindy desires to use COOLunications to educate and remind C.O.O.L. Volunteers that as children created by God, we are equal, and in Christ these Summit neighborhood kids have HOPE!

Sandy Stark
Sandy is a retired teacher that still loves being in the classroom. These days Sandy can usually be found reading, hiking or doing jigsaw puzzles. She and her husband Bill have three grown children and seven delightful grandchildren ranging in ages 5-13 years old. Sandy's experience and wisdom as a curriculum consultant and mentor for children in helping to increase their reading comprehension were gifts and skills that God has used to partner writing the C.O.O.L. Manual, and now these COOLunications. Sandy loves this C.O.O.L. ministry because she thinks it's a vehicle through which "ordinary Christians," if there isn such a thing, can put their faith into action while mobilizing Christ's Church to work together.

Lindsey Jo Bailey
Lindsey is a artist, activist and lover of God and people. She is a graduate of Mission Bridge training and has recently returned to her hometown, Canton, OH with a vision for restoring the city and bringing heaven to earth. At the end of 2009, Lindsey interned with a missionary fellowship in the Dominican Republic, where she lead a teen girls' purity class, helped with a widows program, and served in a children's school. She enjoys dancing, laughing, playing barefoot  in the sunshine, and painting thick, colorful paintings while listening to blues jazz music. Lindsey believes in the power of prayer to change the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Cindy Mandrell
Sandy Stark
Lindsey Jo Bailey

ARCHIVES
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#2 May 13

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