A Missions Heart

Albert Benjamin, A pioneer with a missional heart for God  started a ministry in 1881,  to the many new immigrants and the neglected masses of New York City. Simpson began informal training classes in 1882 in order to reach "the neglected peoples of the world with the neglected resources of the church." By 1883 a formal program was in place and ministers and missionaries were being trained in a multi-cultural context.

Later in 1890 he wrote this in a book he authored , A Larger Christian Life,
Simpson discussed his vision for the church: "He is showing us the plan for a Christian church that is much more than an association of congenial friends to listen once a week to an intellectual discourse and musical entertainment and carry on by proxy a mechanism of Christian work; but rather a church that can be at once the mother and home of every form of help and blessing which Jesus came to give to lost and suffering men, the birthplace and the home of souls, the fountain of healing and cleansing, the sheltering home for the orphan and distressed, the school for the culture and training of God's children, the armory where they are equipped for the battle of the Lord and the army which fights those battles in His name. Such a center of population in this sad and sinful world!" (A.B. Simpson, A Larger Christian Life. p. 153)

May God grant us boldness to match our imagination like he did with Albert Simpson.  

Making a difference

“The psychological effects of fear and terror, together  with disruption of infrastructure components such as electricity, water, and safe housing, may create more casualties than any terrorist biological or chemical assault.  Such conditions can foster toxicity an infectious disease threats,” ( Bernard J. Turnock , Public Health What it is and How it Works )

Whether it be in Indonesia or Haiti safe housing plays a crucial role and in the rebuilding of peoples lives.  S.A.F.E. is committed to finding ways to engage these opportunities and using its resources to make a difference.  

Cholera Outbreak

This is why we are working hard to provide shelter, Tent cities leave people vulnerable to these conditions. 

In Haiti, cholera could heighten quake misery
Health authorities in Haiti say a deadly cholera outbreak is beginning to stabilize.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39823732/from/toolbar

Kids can do anything!

With my blonde moment behind me, I press on to share more.  (I promise I am a very shy person.)  I've been so excited about the beds project that I got my kids involved -- and a few other kids, too!  I coach a robotics team, and this year my team has chosen to extend a hand to SAFE to help them out.  I've had kids volunteer to build a website (which I'm sure would be better than if we let Rob do it -- ask him yourself), I've had them volunteer to make a funny YouTube video (funny -- of course -- why would it be any other way when you're in middle school???), they've volunteered to make brochures and fliers (our schools have created PowerPoint experts, you know), and then of course they are very jazzed about actually raising money -- like its some sort of personal mission to save all the children of the world.  It's so precious to see the compassion and urgency these kids have, and I look forward to updating you on their progress.  Michelle Taylor, not-so-newbie-anymore SAFE volunteer

Working Hard For...

This is what we are working so hard for.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/haiti/7889161/Heavy-rains-destroy-UN-Haitian-tent-city.html


I can not help but placing myself in this story. Or even a personal friend. What I wouldn't do to help if that was a family member or close friend. The reality is the people you see in this video are just that our brothers, sister, our sons and our daughters. If you would have the chance to get to know anyone of the people caught in this horrible and frightening situation they would become much like people you care for in your life right now. We have a tendency to disconnect for many reasons. The biggest reason is I believe we feel like what could we possible do? " I know what I am doing is a drop in the ocean but its one more drop." Mother Teresa We have resolved at S.A.F.E. that we will make it our goal to build 100 homes a year.

People need to experience the gospel and feel its impact personally and socially before they want to hear a spiritual viewpoint. Our soul purpose is to be a bridge through building that introduces people to the heart of God. offering sustainable long term solution, not just another temporary fix to a long term problem. We are offering more than another pup tent rather building a bridge of love providing Shelter that is Safe.

Simply Live

I recently had an experience to which I felt like my own child was at risk. I immediately went in to protection mode with the resources I have to do everything possible to protect my child. God in is wisdom allows me to have experiences like this to remember those that do not have the proper resources to protect their children. "God help us all to live simple so other can simply live."

The Longest Two Minutes....

***Graphic Video***

Just another reminder of the importance of what we do to bring Safe housing to everyone.  This is not just a desire it is an issue of justice. Shelter not only restores dignity. It is essential to protection of human life. 

There are still millions of people living in tent cities with minimal protection and unsanitary conditions.  My heart goes out to Haiti and others across the globe to our brothers and sisters that are living without shelter. 

We saw this video on The Livesay Haiti Blogspot and thought it worth reposting.

A Blonde with a Message

Okay, so I know nothing about blogs and somehow just this week I've come to realize that the posts really are just peoples' expressions from their hearts, put to "paper" if you will. (Yes, I'm blonde!) I'm not usually the kind to open up to people very easily, let alone to complete strangers on the world wide web -- That is, until I became so passionate and compelled to share with you what's on my heart. It's like I'm ready to shout it from the rooftops. Many people don't know that Rob Ramey and his team from SAFE not only raise money for homes in Haiti, but they have been building beds for impoverished children in their own communities, too. It seems like such a simple thing to them, but it will have a huge impact on the children in their own backyards... the very kids who will someday reach out to those who are even less fortunate than them in places like Haiti. If you're wondering how even a small donation would make a difference, let me tell they've been building these beds for only $50 -- complete with a mattress and a set of sheets! If you would consider "sponsoring" a child right here in the U.S., SAFE could put even $5 to use buying sheets for a child's bed. Now, that's something to shout about!
Michelle Taylor, newbie SAFE volunteer

Haiti after the Earthquake

"Haiti After the Earthquake"

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Photos provided by the Yonkers. Check out their blog:
http://journeyforhannah.blogspot.com/

Homes for Haiti 5K Run / 1 Mile Kids Fun Run

We are working toward organizing a 5K Race / 1 Mile Kids Fun Run. Tentatively scheduled for April 16, 2011, at Glacier Ridge Park, in Dublin, OH. More details will be posted as planning continues!


100% of the proceeds will go toward building homes for Haitians. With hopes to raise as much money as possible to build as many relief homes as our donations and entry fees allow. The homes are 13x17 with one door and two windows. The cost is about $2200.

The Hope. The Effort.

This video is not our group, it is made by Ebenezer.  It will give you an idea of the devastation, the hope, and the recovery.  An idea of what our efforts will be.

Ebenezer's goal, and ours, is to bring relief to the people of Haiti while giving as many Haitians as possible jobs in the process. This not only helps those who receive houses, but enables the construction crews to earn an income at the same time.

The Goal

SAFE offering sustainable long term solution, not just another temporary fix to a long term problem.

We are offering more than another pup tent and a water filter. 

We are offering, The love of Christ through building structures that support community life and and value to peoples lives. Existing is not living nor do we live just to exist.  We were designed for relationships.  By building structures whether it be homes or churches we are building relationships.  Our aim here is to love those we serve by Loving our neighbor as our self. By offering safe sustainable housing we are saying we believe that you and your need matters to God.  People need to experience the gospel and feel its impact personally and socially before they want to hear a spiritual viewpoint.  Our soul purpose is to be a bridge through building that introduces people to the heart of God.