Yesterday was the end of Meteorological Winter which means that Meteorological Spring begins today on March 1st! I’m going with that date, but even if we don’t go along with that, we cannot deny the coming of true (astronomical) spring later in March on the 20th. The Truths that parallel the literal truth about spring weather in Zechariah 10 is that God is ready to shower all people with His blessings through the trials and other storms of life as we cling to Him. Even if we bring things on ourselves through sin, when we turn from our own way to His Way, our Gracious Heavenly Father is waiting to shower us with blessings as we enter a time of rebirth and renewal in Him. And this is not just when we first accept Jesus into our lives, but it is every time that we repent of an un-Godly thought, behavior, and action…every time…as consistent and unstoppable as the season of spring.
Christ’s Love,
Lori
"Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone."
Zechariah 10:1
UPDATES:
MALTA Founder Dick Krom went home to be with the Lord in February. MALTA began with a vision that God gave him. He touched so many lives, in so many ways. Please keep the family in prayer. A full obituary and details on a memorial service are forthcoming and will be posted on the website.
You may have heard that Grace House (the church that currently is the owner of the building that physically houses MALTA headquarters, and that MALTA operates out of) put their building up for sale. Just last week, Revelation Church purchased the building to open its long-desired Groton Campus. We are very happy to report that Revelation’s Senior Pastor Matt Grohocki announced that MALTA will be allowed to stay and is behind the organization and its mission. A real praise! MANY THANKS to Pastor Russ Hembel, Office Manager Karen Foshay, the Elders and everyone at GRACE HOUSE who have been so generous toward MALTA for so many years. You have helped further the Kingdom in many ways including through MALTA. You are appreciated!
The MALTA Pawcatuck team is on hold for now. At least one of the people who were camping there have accepted shelter in New London (praise the Lord) and are on their way to employment and housing, while others are living with friends and relatives at this point. We are trying to keep in contact with some individuals, especially one many of us perceive to be a very vulnerable person. Please pray for A______ and their continued contact with a couple of MALTA volunteers. Also, please pray for R______ who was on a good path and then had a setback.
WELCOME AND THANK YOU to Grace Evangelical Free Church who presented us with a large gift as a beginning of their continual Outreach support of MALTA and our mission to reach people experiencing homelessness! We look forward to welcoming volunteers from GEFC as well!
Recently the prestigious YALE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE contacted MALTA to learn more about the homeless population and other vulnerable populations in New London County that MALTA now directly ministers to or supplies/supports in other ways. They were so impressed with the scope of MALTA’s ministry, its effectiveness and willingness to do more, that they asked if MALTA would partner with their mobile unit when it gets started this spring! Tentative plans include MALTA setting up outside of the mobile unit to minister to people before or after appointments. We will give away new socks and other new items, healthy and seasonally appropriate beverages and snacks, and information on area social services and churches, as well as prayer. WHAT A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY GOD IS GIVING MALTA to directly interact with and help people, from infant to senior citizens, who are living in area shelters to see Christ and be blessed.
If you, or your church/organization would like to contribute specifically to this financially, please indicate YALE PROJECT when giving online or in the memo of your check.
Thanks to the donations of many organizations, individuals, and United Natural Foods, Inc., MALTA was able to gift guests of Covenant House (5 families and 10 single men), the Noank Youth Shelter, and the New London Homeless Hospitality Center with Valentine gift bags containing gourmet candy, toys, beautiful new socks, a greeting card and more. We also gave beautiful new hat and glove sets (most with Valentine heart, unicorn or teddy bear themes) to the children of St. Vincent De Paul Place. Additionally, we made get-well bags containing a get-well card, pj’s socks and other items for two individuals we minister to were hospitalized, and who are on the path to housing. And when covid hit an area shelter and many had to go elsewhere to recover, MALTA made and delivered get-well bags there, as well.
Did you know that MALTA supplies the Welcome Bags for men entering Fellowship House in Groton? We do! The bags contain full size men’s toiletries and a greeting card to let them know that people are praying for them through their journey. Please donate name brand men’s razors, shaving cream, and body wash for us to include in these bags.
PRAY:
Praise the Lord! The last couple from Groton T ___ & J___ have found jobs and are doing well, living temporarily with a brother from a local church where they have become regular attenders (both know Christ as savior). MALTA supplied them with their respective uniforms and shoes needed for their new jobs, as well as other items. We are in touch with T & J directly, with their “landlord,” and their social worker to help keep them on track. Their self-confidence has soared, and they are forward-looking and planning. Please praise the Lord and pray for T & J in all these things!
M____ from Groton has been shown a beautiful place locally that he can afford but seems to be self-sabotaging. His housing voucher runs out on 3/31. Please pray for M___ to take this place THIS WEEK on advice of all who have been working with him and trust God (he is a believer) in this endeavor to leave “his place” in the woods. They will not hold it for him to decide.
NEEDS:
BRAND NEW Men’s Underwear in all sizes (no white please)
DEODORANT
HOODIES – Men’s & Women’s
For more updates, changing often, look around this website in the Latest News and Events sections for photos and more regarding God at work through our involvement with the community and: Covenant Shelter, New London Homeless Hospitality Center (shelter) and Warming Center, Noank Youth Shelter, St. Vincent DePaul Place, Fellowship House, Safe Futures and more.