Burt's Blog

Chuck Colson passed away this weekend.  He was taken ill recently during a Prison Fellowship (PF) function, was operated on, and did not recover.  The world has lost a valiant crusader for the cause of Christ…and Carolyn and I have lost a dear personal friend.

Carolyn and I share so many fond memories of Chuck and our work at Prison Fellowship over 17 years ('86-'03) with the ministry. We join so many others in sadness at Chuck's exit from this life and rejoice with them as he takes up citizenship in a better place. Chuck was always amazingly gracious to both of us.  Of particular memory, for Carolyn, was the personal call from Chuck after her accident.  Chuck had learned of her accident, and in the midst of a hectic schedule took the time to phone at home just to speak with her.  Chuck cared deeply about those of us who labored at PF—and our families. 

Chuck also taught me so much over the years...through his words, his vision, his passion for ministry and excellence. I recall one particular moment, at a Xerox Center staff conference where he and I entered the auditorium from the rear at the same moment. We stood there seemingly frozen for just a moment...looking at the stage and at the back of heads of most of our fellow laborers. I remarked, “you know Chuck, if one were to purposefully set out to change the face of prisons and the system across this country, most of the people in this room, including you and me, would not pass muster because of our past. But somehow God has raised up this group...these bruised reeds (PF Logo based on Isaiah, “a bruised reed will he not break, a smoldering wick will he not snuff out”)...to do just that. He nodded in agreement and smiled. We hugged. And off we went.

Well done, Chuck!

I often think of that conversation in the context of KARM.  In the same way that God used these “bruised reeds” – broken, talented, and committed-to-a-cause people who changed the face of prison ministry through PF, so, too, He can change the face of ministry to the homeless, poor and needy in Knoxville through those of us who labor in the KARM vineyard.  Beggars showing other beggars where to find bread.

Recently, at KARM, we learned, thanks to a call from the Blount Co. Sheriff, that Tommy, a man who participated in our residential recovery program, passed away.  There was not much other information to be found.  After searching the obituaries I read that the funeral—including receiving of friends and family—was scheduled for Sunday.    Surely Carolyn and I needed to be there.  To honor Tommy and to let his family know that there was someone who loved him and cared for him.

Tommy always called me “dad” and Carolyn “mom”.  Often, in the hallways of KARM we would hear his unmistakable shout—“hey dad”  or “hey mom”—and we would spend a few minutes chatting about his day….and his struggles…with figuring out God… and figuring out how to live life when the doctors could not get the medications that seemed to tame his emotional stability balanced.

So off to the funeral Carolyn and I went.  Would there be any family to visit besides his daughter?  Did the church where he was to be buried know him?

No one was at the church.  No indication that a funeral was scheduled.

A quick call to funeral home confirmed my hunch...Carolyn and I had missed the funeral.  Sure enough—it was last week.

So we looked for a gravestone—none.  Nothing that told us if Tommy was buried there and if so, where amongst the other beautiful marble and granite tributes from loved ones might he be.  Standing in the cemetery I placed another call to the funeral home to see if there was a plot.  “All the way in the back. There’s no name on it, but it is by the cliff.”

Sure enough, way in the back, with just a flower on top of some hay was where Tommy was laid to rest.  No one else was there.  Just me and Carolyn as we prayed for Tommy’s children and thanked God for the opportunity to have had him in our life and for playing a small part in his.    We could almost hear his voice, “hey mom, hey dad.” 

Re-reading the obituary, there was no mention of a mom or dad.  Just a few children and the mother of one of them.  To Tommy, Carolyn and I represented a mom and dad, and the many at KARM—staff, volunteers, and those who also called KARM home—were his friends, brothers and sisters.

There are hundreds of Tommy’s coming through KARM’s doors—or sitting next to us in church, waiting in line at the grocery.  People desperately hurting who, like the account of the woman in the Bible, want only to touch the hem of His garment.  There were so many people…too many… and things were so busy.  And she thought if she could only touch His hem it would suffice. 

I was reminded that you and I are the hands and feet of Jesus.  There are folks in the hustle and bustle who are hurting.  People like Tommy.  Imagine…all they might want is to know someone actually cares and, if possible, touch the hem of His garment.  The one you’re wearing.

Burt

Burt Rosen

President & CEO

Knox Area Rescue Ministries

P.O. Box 3310

Knoxville, TN 37927

Main:   865-673-6540

www.karm.org

Here’s one more story on Hope Haven, KARM’s emergency overnight shelter for women which was relocated within our building.

Burt

Last night KARM dedicated and consecrated for ministry the new Hope Haven
- our emergency overnight shelter for women. The new location within our
building gives us 103 beds vs. 40 in the former space plus added showers,
etc. Dedicating the space was somewhat bittersweet. Looking over the 103
beds caused us to reflect back on a time in the not so distant past where
only 20 beds were adequate and the present reality and plight of homeless
women--one of, if not the fastest growing group of people who are
homeless. While sad with the realities and the commentary on life this
represents, we are so pleased that God has made a way for us to respond
from our little corner on Broadway and Magnolia. But the response goes
way beyond the adequate shelter that will now give every woman a bed. We
have added a community room that will foster relationship building and
engagement (the research of Dr. Roger Nooe has demonstrated as a key
essential) amongst our homeless guests and women from the community.
Something that simply could not be done before due to the space
limitations.

We know the problems and challenges are deep and complex, and are fully
aware that this effort will not, in and of itself, be the solution.
But...it is a start. And coupled with a new ministry program in its pilot
phase this week, we firmly believe we are on the right track to better
equip the women, through relationships with other women in our local
churches, to reduce the amount of time they spend at KARM and increase the
likelihood of moving forward with a life restored in Jesus' name.

Here's a pic and brief story.

www.wbir.com/news/article/202637/2/KARM-increases-space-for-homeless-women

Burt

Burt Rosen
President & CEO

Knox Area Rescue Ministries
P.O. Box 3310
Knoxville, TN 37927
Main: 865-673-6540
Direct: 865-673-6561
Fax: 865-673-6556
www.karm.org

As I looked out my window a little while ago I was struck by 3 things.  1) The song, “Every Picture Tells a Story” by popular rock singer Rod Stewart;  2) the tagline of a radio show I regularly listened to many years ago hosted by Christian psychologist, Dr. Clyde Narramore, ”every person is worth understanding”; and 3) the blog below.

I thought about those who come through the doors of KARM and how each of them has a story—a story that is worth understanding.  I thought about Tyler, the son of one of KARM’s employees, and I thought about my own son—wherever he is.  And I am reminded of my limited vision.

http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/russellmoore/next-billy-graham-might-be-drunk-right-now-moore.html

Burt

Burt Rosen

President & CEO

Knox Area Rescue Ministries

P.O. Box 3310

Knoxville, TN 37927

www.karm.org

(download)

Click here to download:

IMG_0547.MOV (3.84 MB)

In response to the growing number of homeless women depending on KARM for
emergency overnight shelter, Hope Haven is relocating within KARM. Last
year as many as 96 women - the highest number in 50 years - spent the
night in space designed for 40. The result was too many women on mats on
the floor in the dorm and in the chapel. Off the streets...yes. Yet not
quite the overwhelming hospitality we desired. In the limited space
opportunities for deeper and more meaningful interaction and ministry was
just not possible. The new space will accommodate 100+ women, each with a
real bed! And we have created adjoining space that will facilitate and
enhance wholesome activities that lead to building relationships--all with
very intentional overwhelming biblical hospitality.

We're almost there. Thought you might like a sneak peak

Burt

Burt Rosen
President & CEO

Knox Area Rescue Ministries
P.O. Box 3310
Knoxville, TN 37927
www.karm.org

Cynthia Russell, who oversees our programs, just called.  She said, “I wish you could see the look on the faces of the families as they hear the news that Christmas in a place of their own will be a reality.”  One woman in particular was becoming quite sad as she watched things fall into place for other families.  She is certainly thankful for the temporary shelter KARM has offered her family.  Yet she was losing hope that she might actually have that experience (Hope deferred makes the heart sick.).  But that all changed a few minutes ago as the various pieces with the church, the housing, and other resources that had been seemingly invisible to her, came together.  She was sitting in the family lounge when the phone rang.  It was the call she thought would never come.  Smiles and tears. 

Another woman and her son, who will be moving into their apartment shortly said, “this will be the best Christmas present ever!”

Thanks to one church, adopting one family, for one Christmas—this Christmas—she will be in her own place by Christmas Day.

The vision to see every family in a place of their own by Christmas has become a reality for many of the families.  In fact, this Sunday families who were at KARM, or will be moving into their own place very soon, will be attending worship with the church who is coming alongside them. 

We’re making remarkable progress thanks to you! 

One Church…One Family….One Christmas. 

Why not your church?

Why not this Christmas?

Give me a call at 673.6561.  I’d love to share the ways you and your church can change the life of a homeless family.

Burt

Burt Rosen

President & CEO

Knox Area Rescue Ministries

P.O. Box 3310

Knoxville, TN 37927

www.karm.org

Attended the public forum last night on the scheduled closing of Lakeshore.  The forum was called for and hosted by Knox County Commissioner Jeff Ownby in response to the announced closing that came as a sudden shock to many.  Clearly a highly emotional issue for those who packed the auditorium at West High School.  People were offered the opportunity to comment, ask questions, etc.  After listening  to some of the tragic stories—and they are heartbreaking—it became clear that this particular forum was going to be filled with understandable venting and a desire to prevent—or at least delay—the closing until a “plan” was in place.

Simply put (but this is not a simple issue), Lakeshore would close with the monies saved remaining local.  Some percentage of those savings would be reserved for enhancing the community mental health system and paying for services at other locations.  The proposal, in effect, would bring about a better and more cost-efficient system—ultimately better for those in need of the services.

My take….funds are tight, government dollars are shrinking, we as a community cannot keep pouring fewer dollars into an already over-burdened system, it is the best we have for now, and people are scared.  And those for whom Lakeshore has been a Godsend do not see anything being proposed for their loved ones that offers anything better.  Perhaps it is in the works, but has not gone public as yet.

Comments and well-founded concerns about the impact on homelessness did surface.  But this was not the forum for answers.

According to Greg Lay, who directs our Crossroads Welcome Center, we receive 3-4 referrals from Lakeshore each week—looking to place people who either do not have a home and/or do not have family that can accommodate them.  Lakeshore works wonderfully with us.  Gone are the days where we see a bus pulling up in front of our building, dropping someone off and then pulling away as the person enters the building and tells us he/she was told that this place (KARM) would take care of them.  Now it is a well-coordinated effort. 

With or without Lakeshore people will still potentially be discharged into homelessness.  The 3-4 referrals mentioned by Greg represent only a fraction of those experiencing significant mental illness who come to KARM.  People come from the streets after going off their medication for any number of reasons.  This, of course is one contributor to the number of times KARM must call Mobile Crisis or KPD to respond to unique situations.  More often than not the individuals are transported to Lakeshore.  Not all return here—many do.  If the proposed system enhancements can fill the void that will be left—that will be a good thing.  If not…….we’ll have a new set of challenges and greater numbers. 

It is hard to say where things will end up as far as Lakeshore is concerned.  Time will tell.   

My guess….regardless of where this lands, and so long as God sees fit, KARM will still be the place on the corner of Broadway and Magnolia that is here for those who find themselves in need of shelter, a meal, and a whole lot of compassion. 

Burt

Just think…

What if…1 church…adopted 1 family …for 1 Christmas.

What if... it was this Christmas?

This Christmas, a number of churches would love to buy some presents that will brighten the life of a homeless family at KARM. But what if a church did something amazing to change a family's life forever!

We have what I believe, is a real “Jesus opportunity” -- the chance to help a struggling family make a fresh start.

Right now we have several families with young children staying at our emergency family shelter. 

What if…instead of spending Christmas at KARM, we were able to move each of these families into their own apartment? For a homeless family with children, being at KARM is better than living in their car – or even worse, on the streets. But a shelter is still not the best place for a child…not anytime--but especially not during the holidays!

Every year, a number of churches desire to come down and offer wonderful Christmas parties for families, with lots of delicious food and presents for the kids. What if this year we could get these families moved into a place of their own? What an amazing gift.  And what if your church took the lead in making this Christmas wish come true for a family in desperate need?  

Let me tell you about one of these families…

Mike and Sherry are hard-working individuals who lost their housing due to job layoffs. They came here with their three kids, hoping to stay just a few weeks. That stay has now been extended because, although Mike works full time, they haven’t been able to save up enough money to move out. 

Just think…

What if…1 church…adopted 1 family …for 1 Christmas.

What if... it was this Christmas?

What if... it was your church? Who better to extend the love of Christ and continue reaching out to a family after the joy of Christmas has subsided?

The Lord gives us so many opportunities to offer temporary help to those in need. I believe this is one of those special times when we have the chance to transform someone’s life -- the same way Jesus did with everyone he came in contact with.

You can help restore a family.  All I’m asking is for you to pick up the phone and contact me at 673-6561 so I can explain further.

Burt

Burt RosenPresident & CEO
Knox Area Rescue Ministries
P.O. Box 3310
Knoxville, TN 37927
www.karm.org

A dear friend, Brett Kilgore, sent this along.  Thought you would enjoy the song/video (link at bottom) and the story behind it.

Blessings,

Burt

It's nice to have a reminder of what Christmas is all about.

Here's the story behind the song: 

While at the mall a couple of years ago, my then four year old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, "where's the line to see Jesus"? My sister mentioned this to my dad, who immediately became inspired and jotted words down to a song in just a few minutes. After putting music to the words, and doing a quick recording at home, he received a great response from friends. He sent the song off to Nashville without much response, except for a Christian song writer who suggested adding a bridge at the end of the first chorus. My dad then asked if I wanted to record the song to see what we could do with it. I listened to the song, made a few changes to the words to make it flow better, and we headed to Shock City Studios. It was at the studio where Chris, owner and producer, rewrote the 2nd verse and part of the chorus... with goose bumps and emotions high, we were all hopeful and felt like we had something special. The demo was recorded in just under 2 hours and sent off again to Nashville... still no response. Then 2 weeks before Christmas last year, my cousins Greg and Robbie decided to do a video to see what we could accomplish on YouTube. The first day we had 3000 hits and it soared from there. We received e-mails, phone calls, Facebook messages from people all over asking for the music, CD's, iTunes, anything... we had nothin'. After a couple of meetings with Chris following the amazing response, we got serious. We headed back into the studio this past spring... this time with guitars, drums, bass, pianos, choirs... the real deal.... and here we are today. Getting iTunes set up, a website put together, and loving that thousands upon thousands of Christians have come together... remembering the true meaning of Christmas. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults cannot understand. Hopefully Spencer's observation will cause people all over to reflect on the love of Jesus, and that one day we will all stand in line to see Him. We are most thankful to our Heavenly Father to have this chance to share our music with you. Merry Christmas everyone.

http://www.youtube.com/user/beckykelleySTL