Life Circle – August 6 2015 – Recycling old uniforms for Lifeline’s Haitian security team

Below you’ll read how our Haiti Security Team uniforms were provided.  Not mentioned is that James Dougherty, the main “Idea & Action” guy, had to cancel being with the team delivering the uniforms due to cancer.  We praise God and are happy to inform you that the disease is now gone or in remission! Pray with us that James will be able to reschedule a visit to personally see the result of his effort.  God is good!   

James writes…

During my first trip with Lifeline to Grand Goave, Haiti, I was speechless as I observed the need for the things that most of us take for granted.  Food, clothing, shelter, all seemed and are in short supply.  I was equally impressed by the efforts of the followers of Christ to find ways to meet the physical needs of the Haitian people.  Lifeline’s goal to lead people to know Jesus (spiritual need) was ever present in their efforts to care for people themselves (physical needs).  My initial impression was that Lifeline had thought of everything.  I found myself struggling with the question that I hope all Christians struggle with: “Can I (we) do more?”  The answer from God was “Yes, you can.  Listen to Me and I’ll show you how.” 

As a police officer and former army officer, I found myself taking in the security features of the mission.  Walls, gates and lights were all steps in the right direction but what about the guards?  I was told that there were men working on the mission who were in charge of security; watching the walls, opening the gates, making sure that everyone on the campus was suppose to be there, etc.  Then I met some of them; good men doing their jobs.  But where were their uniforms?  Some wore old polyester pants with unmatched shirts, some wore jeans and t-shirts.  Security teams should have uniforms.  In a country struggling to meet basic needs, uniforms seemed a lofty item.

Last winter, while cleaning out the basement, I came across several old police pants and shirts that were no longer serviceable: some of the pants were too small; the shirts were slightly faded.  Police supervisors are strict on appearance and any uniform that did not signify professionally dressed men and woman are ordered to the trash, never to be worn again.  Professional dressed people are respected in any community.  My department gives us a clothing allowance each year so each officer has plenty of new uniforms.  The old uniforms can’t be given away locally and most end up in the basement or are destroyed.  Before I threw the uniforms on to a brush fire at the back of my property, the Holy Spirit asked “can you do more?”  Suddenly, it hit me.

I put up a notice at work about seeking old police uniforms to be recycled, repaired and re-issued to Lifeline security guards.  The response was overwhelming.  Shirts, pants, hats, and belts were dropped off at my office daily.  Uniforms that should have been headed to the trash were washed, repaired and given new patches with little out of pocket cost. 

On the day I contacted Lifeline to ask if they wanted the uniforms, I was told by Bob 
DeVoe (Lifeline’s Founder) that he had just left a budget meeting where guard uniforms had just been cut from a wish list, as there was no money to buy them.  God had other ideas.

This past July, the uniforms were delivered to the guards with much applause and smiles all around.  Donations continue to come in and the uniform project has become the new way to “dispose” of old police uniforms at my department.

This was not MY project.  This was God’s plan played out through people looking and listening for the Holy Spirit’s direction.  Great things come together when God’s people seek out His plan and listen for His direction.  Be listening.  “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10

Watch the video on Lifeline’s Facebook page, as James shares his story with the local news!

James Dougherty shares his story with the local news in Springfield, MO.

Join us at Clover Valley Golf Club (Johnstown, Ohio) on Saturday, August 29 for a great day of golf to benefit Lifeline!  All proceeds & donations benefit Lifeline’s global ministries.  Learn more at www.Lifeline.org/Golf.

Individuals & teams $75 per player, includes green fee,  cart, snack bag, and buffet lunch

Sponsorship Make this outing a hole-in-one and be a sponsor! Numerous levels are available

• Please pray for Marie Ange, the young lady who cleans at the mission in Haiti.  She has been very sick and the doctor said there is something wrong with her heart.  

• Pray for the team from Bethel Church of Christ (Ada, Ohio) as they travel and serve at the Navajo ministry this Saturday.

• Upcoming Hogs for Haiti motorcycle ride; pray for safety and good health for riders, as they share the message of the children’s needs in Haiti.

• Joyce Krahel (mother-in-law of Dana Krahel, our Volunteer Director) as she struggles in the hospital with major health issues.  

• Elections in Haiti this coming weekend; for peace and God’s will in the election results.

• New middle school students in Haiti as they prepare to return for 7th grade.