Volunteer Ministry Center Event in Knoxville

Same Kind of Different As Me Book Cover

At church Wednesday night Melanie Hyams gave me this book to read. It is a easy read– won’t say more. But it really got to me. Really moved me. I know many of you feel a bit uneasy coming to our studio as it is right in the center of the homeless section of Knoxville. I see it everyday and become used to it.

As an young adult I lived in downtown St. Louis in an area called Soulard. This is one of the oldest areas of St. Louis with beautiful old homes– but it is not the ‘burbs. Living there it opened my eyes to all types of people and living situations. But it also taught me not to be afraid– but to be careful. Everyday when I drive to the studio I see men and women who live on the streets and then I park my car go into my nice office and hide away from the them. The lock entry box on the door gives as a different environment. Is it real in here? Yes it is.. but it is really- real out there. Open your eyes, open your children’s eyes and tell them why people are on the streets. And once again say those 5 things you are grateful everyday.

I think that hearing Ron and Denver speak will open our eyes, mind and hearts even more.

May 12th Knoxville Convention Center

Ron & Denver ( the authors of the above mentioned book) will be guest speakers of the Volunteer Ministry Center of Knoxville at Carry the Torch – Knoxville to be held Tuesday, May 12th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Knoxville Convention Center.  The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of and financial support for the homeless in the Knoxville community.  This collaborative effort, led by Volunteer Ministry Center, will benefit homeless ministries throughout the Knoxville area.  Since 1987, Volunteer Ministry Center has been serving the poor and homeless of Knoxville and this city wide effort will bring the citizens of Knoxville together to make a difference in the community.  Sponsorships range from $2,500 to $25,000.  For more information on the luncheon, please contact Martha Scheidler at 865-524-3926, ext. 28 or CarryTheTorch@vcminc.org.