October Newsletter

I hope this letter finds you well. If you are like me, the Fall is a great change of pace. Seeing the leaves change, the smell in the air and cooler weather is just a few things that bring me joy. In the last letter I had shared that we recently finished the educational classroom to assist the homeless in getting their Ids, social, and other needed items to get back on their feet. I had been praying for teachers for this classroom after it was complete; God has graciously brought David, who desires to see the broken overcome their addictions. I want to give David this platform to share how he has gotten involved at the Rock:

"So it's been 15 months since retirement. I have finished most of the "honey do" list. The shop and I have generated about as much sawdust as I can stand. The recliner and the big screen are beckoning. Panic is beginning to settle in. I prayed, "Lord, show me where I can serve You and make a difference in someone's life." This was when I crossed paths with Ricardo Devine, the director of the Rock. He visited our men's group and shared his testimony. Then, he gave me a personal invite to "come on down and check us out. I'll treat you to lunch." I accepted Rick's invite a couple of days later and was immediately asked to help serve lunch for an amazing group of people. I thought to myself, "this might be the answer
to my prayer."

Since then, I have gone from one day a week to four. Rick gave me the privilege of sharing a ten-minute devotion before Thursday's lunch. I have helped in these areas, maintenance, clothing ministry, mail room, and other areas of need within the building. I have listened to men and women who have amazing stories to tell. I have prayed with and shared Scriptures with others.

I have been able to sense a little of how much our Heavenly Father loves these folks. Jesus said, "You will always have the poor among you…." He also said, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" I would encourage anyone, male or female, old or young, to come down to the Rock at 2400 Second Street and offer yourself in service to God to assist us with this ever-increasing group of folks. You will be making an eternal impact."

I imagine you and others can relate to David's desire to be used for the Kingdom. I believe that none of us truly retire if we are believers in Christ. God has called us to proclaim the Gospel and be the light no matter what age or season we are in. I encourage you to ask the Lord how he would use you if it's at the Rock or elsewhere. Whatever the case, I promise you that when we ask God, he will always provide an opportunity for us to grow more in him.

If you have not had an opportunity to come to The Rock this year, I encourage you to come and see what God is doing here. Come check out the new classroom that will help many. Maybe you will be like David and begin to help the homeless in ways that you would have never dreamed or imagined. Thank you for always praying for us and giving. Each of you is truly the Rock for many who don't have anyone else.

​Sincerely,

Ricardo Devine
Executive Director
The Rock at Noonday

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