NEEDLE’S EYE NEWS

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A Life Changed Service with a Smile (and a Hot Dog) What’s Happening This SpringFor more news, follow us on: Or visit our blog: www.needleseyeministries.com

March 2013 | Quarterly Issue

A LIFE CHANGED: THE POWER OF PEACE & PRAYERIn 2004, Cindy Adams lost her father, her job, and her marriage. She felt lost, empty, broken-hearted, shattered, and torn. Over the next three years, she transitioned through three different jobs and three different homes. “I was basically running around like chicken with my head cut off!” exclaims Cindy.

Cindy connected with Needle’s Eye Ministries in 2008 and attended several Speaker Series luncheons at the Westwood Club. One afternoon, she joined Buddy Childress and Jennifer Parham for a workshop, “Sharing Your Faith 101.” In the days that followed, attendees held one another accountable to pray daily for people in their workplaces. “I noticed it almost im-mediately,” Cindy says. “I was the one being saved, and I came to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Later that same year, Cindy visited the river with several friends. After going to bed one night, she lost feeling all over her body and could not move. Think-ing that she might be having a stroke, she began to pray, “Dear Lord, if this is my time to be with you in heaven, then I am ready, and I love you.” Immediately, feeling returned to her body, and perfect peace filled her.

She woke up the next morn-ing to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises she has ever seen.

“I believe with all my heart that Jesus came into my life and took up residence!” Cindy shares. “That experience is something that I will always remember.”

Now actively involved in Needle’s Eye through the Thursday night women’s Bible studies, Cindy stresses the power of prayer. “Prayer is so important! God is always there for you, even more than your friends. The time spent praying and building a relationship with Him is time well spent.”

When asked about sharing her faith with others, Cindy answers, “I just share my story. I may not be well-versed in the Bible; I’m always growing. The only thing that each one of us really has is our story. That’s what I know, and that’s what I’m sticking to!”

Spend five minutes with Robert Stout, and you’ll see that he has a passion for life, serving, and eating a darn good hot dog. A man with a perpetual hop in his step, you’d be surprised to hear that life hasn’t always been easy for Robert.

When the economy crashed in 2008, Robert closed his land development company and laid off his five employees. Finding odd jobs as a handyman and continually looking for work, Robert stumbled upon the Career Transition Group (CTG) and eventually became a key component in starting the ever-popular Crossroads Career Explorers workshop.

One day, Robert saw a commercial that talked about micro-loans, which used an image of a hot dog business. “I thought to myself, ‘I haven’t had a good hot dog since I moved from

Maryland.’ So I decided to look into a hot dog place.” Since the overhead for bricks and mortar was costly, Robert decided to pull money together and build a food truck.

The Dog Wagon rolled out in October 2012. “Every day is a learning experience. I like meeting new people and having the flexibility to serve others. It’s different from land develop-ment, but I’m having fun.”

Robert still attends the CTG group on Wednesdays. “I like it so much more than a regular Bible study. We take a section of the Bible and talk about helping someone or applying it to our own lives. It’s such an encouragement – and it stirs me up to do something for others.”

When he’s not selling hot dogs, Robert spends his spare time working with street people. “There are a lot of people who have had a hard break, and the least I can do is help them - whether it’s helping to write a resume or vouching for them to get their first job back.” Robert adds, “On Sunday morn-ings, I get up early to serve breakfast at one of the food kitch-ens. When I’m done, I’ll go to church and sing in the choir. That’s a day chock-full of worship.”

Robert says that he lives by three simple rules: love God, live like Jesus, and help others.

“I used to think that, as long as I used my God-given talents, I was okay,” said Robert. “After attending CTG at Needle’s Eye, I came to realize that I was wrong. I need to use my God-given talents to do His work, and everything else will take care of itself.”

SERVICE WITH A SMILE (AND A HOT DOG)

“One day, I saw this guy who was having a bad day. I told him he had three reasons to smile. ‘Today’s Friday, the sun’s shining, and you’re about to eat the best hot dog ever.’ He couldn’t help but smile after that.” – Robert Stout

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LIFE GROUPSwww.needleseye.org/young-professionals-ministry

One community – two locations! Starting this April, learn the true mean-ing of community – through John Stott’s Ephesians study and living it out with other Christ-followers!When: Tuesdays, starting April 2, 7-9 PMWhere: West End

When: Thursdays, starting April 4, 7-9 PMWhere: Far West End

SPRING THURSDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S STUDY www.needleseye.org/get-connected/womens-ministries

How confident do you feel talking about matters of faith? Answer doubts, build confidence, and start changing lives through this exciting seven-week work-book/DVD study. What: Why Do You Believe That? A Faith Conversation by Mary Jo Sharp When: Thursdays, April 4-May 16, 5:45-7:30 PM Where: Needle’s Eye Office Cost: $15

E3 SISTERS www.needleseye.org

A small group for unmarried women who want to be empowered, esteemed, and encouraged through prayer, Bible study, and sharing life with one another. Find worth in Christ and His love, regardless of relationship status. Where: Shockoe Bottom When: Saturdays, starting April 20, 10 AM

CROSSROADS CAREER EXPLORERS GROUP www.needleseye.org/special-events-workshops

A Christ-centered workshop for job-seekers: find your calling and purpose, prepare resumes, practice for interviews, network and more!When: Wednesdays, April 17-May 29, 2-4 PMWhere: Needle’s Eye OfficeCost: $30

SUPPORT NEEDLE’S EYE!Make your gift online at www.needleseye.org or contact Elizabeth Massie at emassie@needleseye.org.

UPCOMING SMALL GROUPS, EVENTS & MORE