Executive Director Pastor J. Anthony Dickerson

Something to Think About

May 20, 2021 by Executive Director Pastor J. Anthony Dickerson

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3–5 ESV.

In the world in which we live, we are faced with many trials and tribulations. Whether it is COVID-19, homelessness, or the loss of a loved one, we all have experienced some form of suffering. Suffering is a part of everyday life and the Bible tells us, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.” Hebrews 12:12 (KJV). Remember that as you walk before the Lord and allow him to direct your path – regardless of the suffering that you may experience – He will give you victory to endure and maintain your focus.

The Bible acts as a mirror that lets you see what’s really inside yourself. And as I read Paul’s words to the church in Rome, I sensed that we should rejoice in suffering and we should count it all as joy when we fall in the Devil’s temptation. However, Paul tells us what embracing suffering leads to when we suffer for Jesus’ sake.

First, understand that Paul is talking about productive suffering, which means an “oppressive state of physical, mental, social, or economic adversity” for advancing the Gospel. It’s about embracing the discomfort that comes with living faithfully in Jesus, no matter how mild or extreme. Paul explains in Philippians 1:12–14: “Everything that has happened to me has helped me spread the gospel.” Thus, some of our suffering is necessary to help us advance in the Gospel and to bring glory to God.

Why is suffering necessary? Because it leads to a chain reaction of spiritual depth and growth. Check it out. Paul tells us:

Suffering leads to endurance…
Endurance leads to character…
Character leads to hope…

We, as Christians and believers, view our suffering differently. We see physical, mental, social, or economic persecution as proof that we are making headway against hell. Satan doesn’t want people to have eternal life in Jesus, so he wages war against us through the world’s established systems.

As Christians, our radically different mindset about suffering and discomfort creates gritty endurance. Productive suffering gives us the ability and strength to keep moving, even when we want to give up and throw in the towel. God gives us grace to endure suffering so that we may endure the many hardships that may come our way. This endurance then, produces character that is battle-tested, showing us that yes, we are in fact becoming more like Jesus! “We will grow in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control” Galatians 5:22–23.

…”and this Christ-likeness creates a hope that Jesus is who He says He is… will do what He’s promised… and we have eternal life hidden in Him.” Colossians 3:3

Friends, let’s renew our minds and our spirits by embracing the discomfort that comes with following Jesus. That’s the refining fire.

Something to Think About

December 11, 2020 by Executive Director Pastor J. Anthony Dickerson

Common holiday traditions involve spending time with family and friends, exchanging gifts and feasting on lavish meals. Yet, this is not a realistic scene for a staggering portion of the American population.

Overall, 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness each year, according to the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. These individuals do not have homes to bundle up in during the cold weather; instead, they are sleeping on the street, in their car, in a motel room or a community shelter. Many of them will not get to enjoy a festive homemade meal.

Homelessness comes with a stigma, and an important way you can help combat the stereotypes of those experiencing homelessness is by spreading awareness of the truth.

Many people believe that those experiencing homeless are doing so because of severe mental health issues or untreated substance abuse problems. They believe those experiencing homeless are unemployable and perhaps even beyond help.

In reality, the vast majority of America’s homeless population have become homeless due to a life-altering event such as job loss, medical or health emergency, divorce, domestic abuse or the loss of a primary income earner. They are able-bodied and ready to work, but they cannot secure employment without a home address. In spite of what we are going through and are experiencing God has been faithful unto us and we have so much to be thankful for. I Thessalonians 5:13″In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. The Apostle Paul reminds us that regardless of what state that we find ourselves we need to be thankful because there is always someone worse off than you. So even in a homeless state we need to find ourselves grateful and we need to praise God while we are in it. Regardless, of what you are going through this holiday season, God wants you to be thankful, for this is the will of God concerning you.What hinders a thankful heart? Doubt about God…Doubt about God’s wisdom. Doubt about God’s love. Doubt about God’s Word. Doubt about God’s immutability. Doubt about God’s power. You are not thankful because you do not believe God can overrule the problems that you have to bring about His glory and your good and lastly, be thankful because of it.

The text says, “…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

You should have a praise on your lips because the stuff that has been keeping you down will soon become the things that lift you up. God is about to lift you up to where you belong whether you are sitting around the table with family or alone on a park bench.

For this is the will of God…the will of God doesn’t move God closer to me – it moves me closer to God! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!

Keep Hope Alive

August 13, 2020 by Executive Director Pastor J. Anthony Dickerson

In a long time, nothing has brought the world together and raised its fears as much as this deadly outbreak. If certain things are not done on time, this could be the biggest threat the world is going to face. Already, pundits are projecting that COVID-19 could lead to a recession and could affect as many as 600 million people globally. It’s evident to everyone that there is danger. This is not a pre doomsday fear-call. It is the reality on the ground as all eyes can see. But the big question is, seeing the visible threat and global panic, is there hope? The answer is yes. There is hope in the Word of God. God’s Word was written to bring us hope in a seemingly hopeless time. As Christians, we are not that surprised at the news. Thousands of years ago, our Master and Savior told us that the world would have different kinds of outbreaks. He prepared our minds, instructing us that no matter how dreadful each of the outbreaks is, it is only but a small part of the major crisis expected in the world. He counseled us to remember that these outbreaks, economic crisis, wars, and threats of wars, are the beginning of the suffering the world would experience. Matt. 24:6-8 give us a clear indication of these sorrows: 6 “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet”. 7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places”. 8 “All these are the beginning of sorrows”. So, we are not to be surprised, neither should we panic. Jesus told us these things so that we will continue to have peace in Him, even when the world is troubled. John 16:33says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. We can rest assured that as we put our total trust in God and lean not to our own understanding in the mist of this pandemic, God’s unchanging hand will protect our family and every area of our lives. Let’s keep hope alive.

Covid-19 Testing & Status

June 27, 2020 by Executive Director Pastor J. Anthony Dickerson

Eight months has flown by since I took the position as Executive Director here at the Christian Shelter. More than anything I have been amazed by the generosity of our community to support the important work that is happening at the shelter.

The Christian Shelter is currently experiencing the impact of the Covid-19 virus that has become a global pandemic. Keeping our staff and guests safe from this virus is one of our top priorities. In an effort, to ensure everyone’s safety, the Christian Shelter is currently in a “stay -in- place mode”. We will not be receiving any new guests until June 5th. We are currently organizing a plan of action before we start receiving new guests. This plan will include having a team of volunteer nurses come in twice per week or as needed to address, assist and train staff on any medical needs our guests may have. This team of nurses will be headed up by Latoya Maddox, RN and Chantel McNealy, RN, both from Salisbury. They will be completing an assessment on each of our new guests and are currently exploring the possibility of Covid-19 testing for the entire shelter.

Nurses Latoya Maddox, RN, and Chantel McNealy, RN, both of Salisbury, MD

Currently, there are NO coronavirus cases at the Christian Shelter. The Lord has richly blessed the Shelter to allow all of us to be healthy, as we are following the Executive Order established by the Governor of Maryland and the strict guidelines of the CDC. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has impacted the Shelter in so many ways. The need for safe shelter is great, and we haven’t deviated from our mission and vision.

The work of raising funds to support the Shelter is a difficult task. The Christian Shelter receives no funding from government assistance programs. Most of our funding is through private contributions, churches, local businessmen, foundations, grants and special events. The Covid-19 crisis has been a very trying time for all of us. Over the past eight weeks, we have experienced an all-time low financial dilemma as our giving has dramatically decreased. We are calling on our community friends and potential donors to assist us in overcoming our financial challenges during this crisis. Would you consider giving a monetary donation of any kind? Your contribution will be an expression of gratitude so that others may come to the Christian Shelter, receive assistance to find gainful employment, make goals for the future, and begin saving to find a new place to call home.

Click the “Donate!” link in the header if you’d like to make an online donation.

Executive Director Update

January 20, 2020 by Executive Director Pastor J. Anthony Dickerson

Welcome to our revised and vibrant website. Being the First Executive Director of the Christian Shelter in it’s 40 year history, I would like to uphold our mission which is to minister to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of people in crisis through the provision of safe shelter, nutritious meals, practical and spiritual direction and the life changing good news of Jesus Christ. This shelter was planned, built and is provided for by GOD through HIS people!

Here at the Christian Shelter we believe life-transformation is seeing people advance through the Seven (8) “S” of Transformation in order to be self-sufficient and successful in life where they are:

SAVED – making choices that will keep them from chronic illness and physical death and making a choice that will keep them from eternal death by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
SOBER – no longer controlled by stimulants, depressants, and intoxicated in their thinking.
STABLE – mentally and emotionally balanced whereby they can enjoy good health and a clear focus.
SCHOOLED – enriched with fundamental knowledge to be competent and competitive.
SKILLED – being academically credentialed and set on a career path.
SECURE – able to provide financially for themselves and their family.
SETTLED – benefitting from having their own safe residence to stay every night.
SERVING – giving back to the community through missional living.

It is through these seven phases of transformation our guest’s lives will be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirt which will enable them to take their rightful place in society.

If you are interested in volunteering or donating to the Christian Shelter, please contact the Christian Shelter so we can serve you with the spirit of excellence.

Thanking you in advance for joining our effort to end homelessness in our community. We pray that you will continue to partner with us in our vision to end homelessness on the entire Eastern Shore.

Sincerely,
Pastor. J. Anthony Dickerson – Executive Director Christian Shelter