This Christmas in St. Louis homeless men, women, and children will sleep in vacant buildings, on park benches, and at bus stops. They sleep in the woods in Jefferson County, St. Charles County, and St. Louis County. In Springfield, the homeless sleep near the railroad tracks or just lie down on the sidewalks. In towns throughout Illinois, the homeless can be found almost anywhere. The homeless can be found in every city in America. Throughout the USA signs of the 1930s repeat themselves as grapes of wrath, more bitter than ever, are being harvested across the land. This crop
of misery is watered by local communities, priding themselves in the destruction of low-income housing in the name of gentrification.
Its fertilization is done by an indifferent church whose policies of non-involvement is symbolized by human beings living and dying on the streets and park benches of our communities. When I am asked why isn’t more being done for the 50,000 homeless people in Missouri and the millions scattered throughout the rest of the United States, one word quickly comes to mind…Fear.
(Cont. on pg. 12)
A Life Changing Program
I was one of the first apprentices to join the New Life Evangelistic Center’s Residential Leadership Training Program (RLTP). Before I entered this life changing program, I was a frightened, confused African American teenager.
I lived with my mother and sister in one of the worst tenement slums in Saint Louis. It was not unusual for me to lie in bed and hear gunshots, people screaming for help, outside my window. Without a father, I was lost, lonely--without direction, without purpose. In tears, I would cry out to God to help me please! He an-
swered me! I was given NLEC’s Zoa Free Paper, which talked about a new life with God and offered a training program. This residential leadership training program was FREE!
The NLEC headquarters was then located at 2107 Park Ave. only a 1/2 mile from my roach and mice, crime, and drug infested ghetto. I knew in my heart that God was leading me to NLEC.
NEW LIFE ZOA FREE PAPER 2.0
In this issue of the New Life Zoa Free Paper 2.0 you will find stories of love and commitment, courage and sacrifice as we pursue the Heart of Christmas behind the bright lights and tinsel, beyond the wrappings and ornaments. Enter in . . . to be blessed and challenged!
(Cont. on pg. 2)
Pastor Mark Glenn
Welcome to the New Life Zoa Free Paper 2.0
This Christmas the homeless can be found everywhere as growing numbers are forced to try to survive outside. In response to this national crisis New Life Evangelistic Center is sending daily search and rescue teams throughout the greater St. Louis area with food, water, tents, sleeping bags, warm winter clothing and other items essential to survive.
In Springfield, Missouri 150 - 200 homeless individuals visit the NLEC Veterans Coming Home Center. Please carefully examine this New Life Zoa Free Paper so you can discover how your partnership this Christmas can make a big difference for good in the lives of the growing numbers of homeless men, women, and children throughout mid-America.
Taking Back Christmas
Christmas has become just another consumer holiday, just like Halloween or Thanksgiving. You can see it in the way Walmart starts storing trees and lights and plastic Santa's in its Outdoor section by late August. Need a lawnmower? How about a plastic tree instead? No thanks. Its disheartening to see Jesus used as just another marketing tool in our consumer society. What can be done? Well, we can start by actually doing what Jesus said when He told us to welcome the poor, hungry, and homeless. We can do this by saving our money and distributing things they need like hygiene kits, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, and winter shoes. What about the gifts on the actual day of Christmas? Consider making a gift for your loved ones. Instead of spending a lot of money and saving up for gifts, why not spend your time volunteering to serve a meal at a drop in shelter for people experiencing homelessness? This issue is chock full of ideas and ways you can use your money and time to take back Christmas from consumption.
----Christopher L Rice, OFS
There Has to Be More to Christmas
It’s Christmastime! The happiest day of the year – or is it? Let’s take a closer look. When the big day finally arrives, the family gathers once again to open multitudes of presents under the tree. Then in about 30-45 minutes the big climax of weeks of preparation is over. As the excitement dies down and the gifts are put away, the “let-down syndrome” strikes again. Does this sound like your Christmas experience? Ever wonder why it happens this way year after year? Maybe it’s because the majority of Americans have lost the whole meaning of the Christmas celebration. Actually, its purpose is to celebrate God giving the greatest gift ever given – his Son Jesus
tice, with other students from across the United States and we began an intense study centered around Jesus and the Holy Bible. We also participated in evangelism, preaching the Word to our homeless brothers and sisters.
Christ. Who showed the world what giving is all about. Materialistic gifts have always been given freely during all sorts of holidays. But Jesus Christ started the tradition of giving of oneself. He gave of Himself to the point of dying for a lost and confused world. This is what Christmas is really all about – it’s the celebration of a whole new way of life make possible by Jesus Christ. It’s taking time out with those you love – those that you have given of yourself to all year long – and remember Who it was that gave you this love for each other. In this atmosphere, a small token of love given to one another adds a special touch to an already beautiful relationship.
A Life Changing Program
I witnessed many miracles and discovered thru the program a personal relationship with Jesus. I was no longer without purpose or direction. I was a living testament of NLEC’s standard theme from 2 Corinthians 5: 17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things has passed away; behold all things are new.” Through the Residential Leadership Training Program, I learned responsibility, discipline, direction, and purpose for my life. I was no longer lost, lonely or confused. Not only was NLEC my new home, but Jesus was also at home in my heart. Enrolled in the program for over a year, I was too young to take a GED. Reverend Larry Rice stressed to me the importance of graduating from high school. So, I sadly left NLEC to obtain my diploma. I began attending McKinley High School and thanks to the intense Bible studies from the RLTP, which taught me discipline, I graduated valedictorian of my senior class.
(Cont. from Front Page) (Cont. on pg. 9)
When I first entered the doors of NLEC at the age of 16 and met Reverend Larry Rice and his wife Penny, I felt an immediate peace. I knew I belonged here. I knew this was my new home.
I joined the program as an appren-
Why Bother?
What is there to life….is there any meaning in it at all? You’re born, go to school, get a job, get married, grow old, and die. After you die, who remembers you? Your family and friends do for a while…until they die. If you’re forgotten, why were you born? What difference does it make to live or die?
Life is meaningful and our actions and achievements do matter. They matter because Someone has been watching and caring for every single person that has lived and died ever since the world began. Without God, our lives are a meaningless existence…but He brings meaning into the world. Who is this Person that pervades our planet—He is the One who carried out the grand experiment of creating this world and who made man in His own image—a loving, feeling, rational being. He took a risk by making this creature called man—the risk of this
creature wanting to go his own way. But He chose to do it anyway, and suffer the consequences, because He wanted man to love Him freely without any strings attached. Well, you know the story…man rebelled against God and still does today. The tears must have streamed down His face as He watched men killing one another, stealing, raping, and polluting the earth. He was probably ready to destroy everything and declare: “Experiment unsuccessful.” But then He had an idea! Few would listen to Him through signs and wonders, but if He could fuse His personality and being into a man—then maybe they would listen!
And so, the God-man Jesus Christ was born. He spoke of God’s love…and men listened. And then he proved God’s love by dying on a cross. Think of it! The very personality of God Himself encased in a mortal body,
suffering and at the mercy of the very creatures He had made! And then after all this, God says, “All is forgiven, come unto Me and I will give you rest!” All man has to do is bust through that proud, know-it-all attitude and become God’s special creature again. He made up for our pride with His humility! If we would just cast aside our pride and selfishness and let Him into our lives—we will know what real life (Zoa) is all about…it’s being in Love with our Creator!
Written by Penny Rice in 1993 (1950-2007)
Give Your Friends and Relatives a Special Gift This Holiday Season
It was in January of 1973 that the first issue of the New Life Zoa Free Paper was published. For over 32 years the Zoa Free Paper ministered to thousands of individuals. Now this newspaper is back with the same name and the same mission. The word Zoa or Zoe is the Greek word for life. It is a word that in New Testament Greek means a life that begins now and goes on for all eternity. New Life Evangelistic Center plans to publish the New Life Zoa Free Paper 2.0 bi-monthly. You are encouraged to submit your testimony, artwork, and inspirational writings to us. Don’t forget to fill out the free subscription form on this page and send it in now. By doing that your friends and family will not miss a single copy of the New Life Zoa Free Paper 2.0 in the months to come. Send your submissions to NLEC, PO Box 473, St. Louis, MO 63166.
Joining Creation in the Celebration of Christmas
Sheep, donkeys, cattle, camels and other animals in creation join angels, stars, and heavenly hosts in the celebration of God becoming man and dwelling amongst us. This event which we celebrate as Christmas is the pivotal point, not only in human history, but the life of every animal, plant, bird or living creature that has suffered at the hands of sinful human beings.
good tidings of great joy, for unto you is
born this day in the city of David, Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10).
John 3:16 tells us that, “God so loved the world (cosmos), his total creation on planet Earth, that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”.
This giving by the divine creator of all life provides hope not only for humanity but all of life. With eager expectation the donkey carries Mary to Bethlehem sensing that the woman he was carrying is about to give birth. With alarm the sheep are aroused from their sleep as the sky becomes lit up with an array of heavenly hosts. Then, one of the angels proclaimed, “Do not be afraid, I bring you
As the sheep stared into the sky with amazement suddenly the heavenly host broke into praise saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
By this time the flock should be ready to bolt, but a divine calm settles over them and with great anticipation they move toward Bethlehem under the di-
to the inn. Along with the cattle and other livestock in attendance they crowd around a simple manger in which lies a child that they know is no ordinary child. He is the homeless child that every animal which has ever been mistreated by the sinful hands of man has longed for. Paul put it this way in Romans 8:20, 21, “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
The baby in that
rection of their shepherds.
Filling the quiet streets of Bethlehem, ewes, rams and lambs still in awe of what they had just seen, move slowly as if guided by the hand of God to a stable that exists in a cave next
manger, the incarnation of the living God, would be the Redeemer of all humanity. He would be the one who made it possible for greedy, self-serving human beings to be made new creations of love. In this manger surrounded by the animals God created, existed the hope for all of creation, which had been subjected to frustration because of the sins of humanity. It would be this child and his future death and resurrection which would provide the antidote to the cancer of sin and the world wide frustration it created. This baby, who was fully God and man, is called in Matthew 1:23, “Immanuel…’God with us’”.
The above article is a selection from the book, “More than a Baby in a Manger” by Larry Rice. You can obtain a copy of the book in its entirety on Amazon.com.
Don’t forget to include New Life Evangelistic Center and its work among the poor and homeless.
Your tax deductible Christmas gift goes a long way at the New Life Evangelistic Center P.O. Box 473, St. Louis, MO, 63166
Thousands of people have been fed, sheltered and provided blankets and other emergency assistance by Larry Rice and the staff of New Life Evangelistic Center this past year because of caring people like you.
The Best Gift of All...
The Bible tells us how to receive the best gift of all.
1. Acknowledge: ‘’ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’’ (Roman 3:23). ‘’God be merciful to me a sinner’’ (Luke 18 :13.).
2. Repent: ‘’No, I tell you: but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish’’ (Luke 13:3). ‘’Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out’’ (Acts 3:19).
3. Confess: ‘’If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’’ (1 John 1:9).
‘’If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved’’ (Roman 10:9).
4. Forsake: ‘’Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord…. For he will abundantly pardon’’ (Isaiah 55:7).
5. Believe: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life’’ (John 3:16). ‘’He that believes and is baptized will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be condemned’’ (Mark 16:16).
6. Receive: ‘’ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God’’ (John 1:11,12)
WHY NOT MAKE YOUR ETERNAL DECISION NOW
‘’Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and I ask Your forgiveness. I receive You now as my personal Savior and invite You to manage my life from this day forward. Amen.’’
If you just prayed this prayer asking Jesus to be your personal Savior and to manage your life from this day forward, we want to hear from you! Please write us and tell us about your decision today!
Send your good news to:
NLEC Zoa Free Paper 2.0 PO Box 473 St. Louis, MO 63166
We want to help you grow in your walk with the Lord by sending you the free book, “Why Am I Here?” by Larry Rice and Chris Aaron Rice.
Please don’t refuse those who are reaching out of their hunger and homelessness to eat at your table this Christmas. Remember the words of Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, when He said, “As often as you have done it for the least of these, even so you have done it unto me.”(Matt. 25:40-45)
Exploring Major Themes in the Zoa Free Paper
In thirty years there have been a few streams of thought that have permeated most of the articles in the Zoa paper. I’d like to explore a few of these to give you a better understanding of what sort of paper the Zoa is. These themes reflect the very core of NLEC’s worldview concerning calling and faith. They include: Action and Contemplation, Kinetic Community, and Conservative Christianity with a “liberal” agenda. Perhaps the titles I’m giving these themes do
not do them justice. In thirty years the articles are all very different and the associations I’m making are very loose. Some of the themes I’m bringing out are obvious and in those I’ll draw the connection to specific articles themselves. Others are much more subtle, you could almost call them impressions rather than themes, that over time have left an indelible mark on NLEC’s overall philosophy of ministry.
Some people get the impression that Larry Rice is inexhaustible, or that somehow he is super-human. There is something in his demeanor that gives the impression that he goes everywhere fast and that somehow the large work they see portrayed on TV or in the Zoa are just something he conjured up in one large feat of dynamism. I can remember going places with him and hearing well-meaning people
pull him aside and say, “You need to get some rest. Take better care of yourself. You travel too much. You’re trying to do too much.” Let me set the record straight. He does take naps. He has hobbies and he enjoys life for its own sake. He likes to watch movies (he really enjoyed “Lord of the Rings”), raise animals, and read his newspapers just to pass the time. He has had to work to find a balance. He sees his over-achieving tendencies and he has learned to pace himself. One secret he’s found for establishing a life rhythm is to read the Bible from cover to cover every year.
When my dad wrote “The Garden of God” and I read it for the first time, I was really shocked by it – that he’d been the one to write it. It was all about how a social activist (like himself) could quickly find himself dried out and used up by his efforts. The only way
he could find refreshment was in the Garden of God, allowing God to replenish him through the Word. But first he had to take the time to get alone with God. This was written by the same man who had written years before the article “Awakening the Sleeping Giant”, which was an all-out indictment on local churches for their lack of interest in caring for the poor and homeless. The Sleeping Giant is the Church that has the power and potential to feed the hungry and house the homeless, but not the impetus. The article was perhaps the most direct call to put faith into action, demonstrating true faith. These two articles, taken together reflect both sides of what is necessary in full time faith-based ministry: Action and Contemplation. Together they form a balance that is not
(Continued on pg. 15)
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The Beginning
What do we know of Jesus’ origins and early life? And what is the significance of the time period between when we celebrate the birth of Christ and his baptism in the Jordan?
Well, first it’s important to remember that the liturgical Christian calendar long predates our Western calendar
The celebration of Christmas carries with it the imagery of the Christmas tree, bells, gifts, tinsel, Santa Claus and much more.
But through it all there is one story which remains central to the whole celebration of Christmas. It’s the story of the homeless Christ Child born in a manger, whose life on this earth has inspired sight to the blind, identified with the suffering and demonstrated the universal principle of a resurrection from death.
The everlasting hope he has given those who turn to Him is symbolized every Christmas through the evergreen tree that has now found a place in homes throughout the world.
of January through December. While we may see the dates of Thanksgiving through January 1 as the end of the year, the liturgical calendar celebrates Advent (Nov. 30 to Dec. 24) as the beginning of the year. The point to realize is that for those of us who celebrate it, Advent is
the time to grow closer to Jesus and offer him the beginnings of our year, even as the outside world sees it as the end of the year. It might seem a little confusing, but basically we Christians are seen as a peculiar people anyway so we may as well get used to it. Jesus comes first is the most important thing to consider. Get ready to meet him in his coming in human form in his first or second coming. He’s coming. Get ready. That’s enough about Advent, this article is about Christmas.
In every home during Christmas there should be a Nativity scene set up to honor Jesus our Sav-
ior and Lord. Now of course it’s hard for us to see a baby as being our Lord and this is why we have to stoop to enter the cave stable where he lay. Our Lord was born in a stable because there was no “room” in the end for a poor pregnant couple that “should have better prepared for their journey” anyway (we might hear the innkeeper say under his breath.) There is of course room for people with money, but not Jesus. And this is the problem with Jesus in America and the Western world today. Christmas has become a consumer holiday. Rather than focusing
Jesus’ Origins and Early Life
The Arrival
The cry of the baby marked the turning point of the universe. Suddenly God was no longer at a distance. He was now approachable, available. He had chosen to manifest Himself in a human body in a small town called Bethlehem.
This manifestation was not in the palaces of kings, nor in the chambers of priests. Instead, Jesus the Savior of mankind was born in a stable and laid in a manger. A manger surrounded by conditions that were less than sanitary. Why would God send His Son as a homeless child, born in a stable and laid in an animal feeding trough?
Was it because He wanted all of us to know that what the world attaches so much importance to, is not important in the light of eternity?
Isaiah 53:2 says Jesus wasn’t even that good-looking. He was raised in Nazareth where Nathanael in John 1:46 asks, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” His ancestry left a lot to be desired. It included
Rahab a prostitute, Judah a womanizer, David an adulterer, Solomon a backslider and a host of other characters whom many would classify as undesirable. Isn’t Jesus trying to show us that even if the world doesn’t approve of our looks, ancestry, or where we might have been brought up that we can still do great things for the glory of God?
This Christmas, instead of being dominated by feelings of inadequacy or fear, listen to the angel’s proclamation. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The savior- yes, the Messiah has been born.” (Luke 2:11) Live now by faith in the awareness of His arrival and watch Christ do through you exceedingly beyond what you can ask or think.
“If we would just cast aside our pride and selfishness and let Him into our lives—we will know what real life (Zoa) is all about… it’s being in Love with our Creator”
The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light. Isaiah 16:19
Christmas Behind Prison Walls
Depressing
But Blessed
I have been incarcerated since January of 2009, and Christmas is the single most depressing time of the year for me, and also one of the blessed days of my life.
Being sentenced to life without parole, I try to find a pen pal every chance I can, but am unsuccessful. God hasn’t given me a pen pal, but has given me the gift of the women’s group at my church at Witcher Baptist Church of God. Every year the congregation, the women’s group, the pastor and even people in my old community will send me Christmas cards, and some even send money. The women’s group, (WMU), will send me a card, words of encouragement and prayers every month.
So, as you can guess, Christmas is depressing and sad for me, but also blessed, and refreshing for me because because of my Christian family at Witcher Baptist. God has kept us in each other’s lives, and hearts since I’ve been in kindergarten. Readers, I write to New Life all the time, they post my articles, poems, and have given me the platform to express my heartfelt love and appreciation for God’s continuous love, and guidance through people in my life.
God is my Savior, the women of Witcher Baptist are my hero’s, and Larry Rice and the New Life Evangelistic Center are gifts and blessings from the Lord. They make the connections, and we can continue to count on them.”
---Jason Holstein, #3468988 Mt. Olive, W. Virginia
We celebrate Christmas in love, hope, and faith according to the Bible. We just take it one day at a time as we put our hope and faith into Christ Jesus. Knowing that Christ was born to redeem all to God that all would repent and be baptized, Christ of Christmas helps strengthen us each day of our lives.
---Rondell Williams, #152396
Eric Mize #1063768 Tampa, FL
Christmas Behind Bars
Christmas behind bars, especially in seg. (segregation) is definitely not Christmas but, the remembrance of when I was free celebrating Christmas in the free world is what make’s the best Christmas in the world for me.
And just knowing that people loves to be around me at Christmas is Christmas every day.
What gives me hope is the Holy Spirit. You see, this may sound a bit weird, but since I have been doing time it has been hard because I have had no real family support. Not able to make commissary and so forth.
---Dan Coffman #788247
Dear Fellow Beings and Christians
I greet you in Christ Jesus name, and I come to you all with something you all have never encountered or heard. That is, Christmas is a Time of Christ Jesus. the greatest gift to humanity from God Almighty. We “humans/ mortals” in these times enjoy this “Gift of Christ” whether we believe Christ Jesus is the Son of God or not. Think about this: We ALL give! The Word in the Bible (Holy Scriptures) clearly expresses, “Even evil people give good gifts”... This means giving is an element of love and Christ Jesus is love, the Love of God! And, it is this Love that changed my heart to become an Aech Christian! I’ve become someone who is compelled to write songs that will shake up the world and the entertainment world
I want to bring hope and change for for the betterment... I have a part of one of my Christmas songs that expresses, “I Want To Be A Living Christmas Tree of Love for Everyone”.
New Life Evangelistic Center is really a blessing because it gives people like me who are in prison a platform to be heard. It is good to know that there are people out there who care about us and haven’t forgotten about God’s lost sheep.
---Ricky
Norton, Pacific, MO
this degree, Christmas is always - Everyday - because of Christ Jesus. Our every day gift.
The Title above is part of the Song/ Poem and it is the core of what God intended to give humanity as to His Gift of His Son, Christ Jesus who became salvation to all whether they believe or not. Salvation is free to all though Salvation came with a price. The price of the sacrifice. Jesus Christ born into this world as a human/mortal to live in this world as a person of pure heart from sin enduring all things we humans go through and then becoming the sacrifice (whether you believe or not) in our place as well as creation (ALL Creation) because of humanities (man and woman) fallen beginning of not honoring their “word” and “honor” as well as the covenant first made with God Almighty, who gave us the Gift of Life of which we gave up because of sin! What I’m saying in this article will become more living than just mere words. These words, like “fine wine” will get better with time! To
Yours in Christ, ----Irving Berry, Farmington, MO
LIFE IN PRISON DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Being wrongfully convicted is more intense emotionally from the wrongfully.
I do think that the people I was around some were not Godly, not at all.
I was not strong enough inside to protect myself from evil/ wrong doers.
So thinking of how to better myself and being positive in my thinking to improve me.
Not to get into the “Blaming Game”, that does not accomplish anything at all! And Christmas time is the
(Cont. on pg. 16)
Everyday Christ is Present
Much like most people in Christendom, I celebrate Christmas by encouraging myself to be positive, proactive, generous, and, above all, genuine, so as not to subject myself to the sense of deception implicit in giving with the intention of eliciting something in return. And it’s not because people deserve such sincere treatment (its not up to me to decide who deserves whom or what), but I accord with such action so as to not create that nasty intention and obviously then carry that inside me.
Hope… is a complex conceptualization for me. On the one hand – Well, let us define hope.
Hope is the last, most potent, and yet most useless of options. To hope is to resign to letting fate take hold of that which is hoped for – it’s to say, “There’s nothing I can do to that or this end and so I hope in its stead.” Thus, I remain hopeful because I keep it holstered, ready for use, but leaving it unused, instead controlling the controllable by always progressing towards the inner and outer results that suit me and my environment, including the impact on others. Everyday Christ is present; help is inherent and welcomed.
---Rodolfo Avaloe #211787 Buckeye, Arizona
A Life Changing Program
(Cont. from pg. 2)
Upon graduation, I left Saint Louis, entered the work force, and traveled to many cities. But the teachings from the program and my close relationship with Jesus, never left my heart. I knew, no matter the trials or tribulations I faced, I was now empowered to overcome them.
I returned to Saint Louis upon the death of my mother. I also returned to NLEC. Even though I had been gone from NLEC for many years, I was welcomed back with open arms. I became the editor of the Cry Justice Newspaper, (CJN), a publication for thousands of the incarcerated across America, featuring their injustices and the liberation thru the gospel of Jesus. I, through the program became a Para Legal and empowered families of inmates how to advocate for their incarcerated loved ones.
I was ordained through NLEC as a minister in 1999. I continued fighting for the rights of the poor, the homeless and the incarcerated.
In 2015, I continued working on the CJN. I mentored, thru the program, several men and women who were lost, lonely and slaves to sin and addictions. Many lives were transformed and empowered thru this residential leadership training program and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 2019, I nearly died when I contract-
‘
Twas the Night Before Jesus Came
T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE Jesus came and all through the house not a creature was praying, not one in the house. Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care in hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl in to bed, Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head. And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like flash tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The light of His face made me cover my head, It was Jesus returning just like He Said! And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the book of Life which He held in His hand, Was written the name of every saved man. He spoke not a word as He searched for my name; When He said ‘’It’s not here’’ my head hung is shame.
The people whose names had been written whit love He gathered to His Father above. With those who were ready He rose without a sound. While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knee, but it was too late; I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate. I stood and cried as they rose out of sight; Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is
clear; The coming of Jesus is drawing near. There’s only one life and when it comes the last call, we’ll find that the Bible was True after all!!
---Bethany Farms, 1984.
The Beginning
(Cont. from pg. 6)
on the incarnation and birth of Christ we obviously value money over faith. The problem with that is that we just can’t find the purpose of Christmas anymore without Christ, no matter how many campaigns say “put Christ back into Christmas”. Quite frankly there is no room in our hearts for the Christ of Bethlehem because he can’t be purchased. He is now a man and the soon returning king and he is not happy with our choices of profits over people.
The answer is to become a people who are not for sale at any price! We have to give ourselves away in honor of the Christ at Christmas. Not just by volunteering and offering an hour here or there to share a plate of food, but by becoming the type of people who couldn’t let anyone in their city or town be left homeless like the Christ when he appeared. “He came to his own and his own received him not.” Jesus arrived wrapped in rags and placed in a feeding trough for animals because there was no room for him in our hearts. That’s the reality. And no one had a clue he had arrived except for shepherds and magi from the east. God came in under the radar, as it were, not just to evade the wicked authorities who’d have him killed, but because this king wasn’t here
for all the things we value: money, time, and notoriety. He had a larger purpose! To transform the world and make all things new by taking away our sin and making us saints and martyrs. His values were certainly not our own.
Mary perfectly illustrates for us the response to God concerning gifts and gift giving in the economy of the Kingdom of God. She doesn’t understand how God could give her such a gift without a man, but that doesn’t stop her from saying, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” God wills it and she accepts it with abandon. What do I mean by “abandon”? I’m saying she didn’t put any strings on her acceptance. She completely gave herself to God for his purpose. “Let it be to me according to thy will.” Her “Magnificat” illustrates this:
“For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.” *(RSV) So what do we gather from all this? Jesus is the greatest gift to those who know they need him the most. This eliminates those who just want a handout, because Jesus has so much more! It eliminates those who don’t fear God and by this I mean honor and respect, knowing God is holy and good and we need Him. No one can say, “Give me love, but don’t tell me what to do.” by Chris L. Rice, OFS
The work of New Life Evangelistic Center continues to provide for the homeless and hurting all year long.
Safe Houses of Shelter Job Training Programs
Bundles of Hope Back Packs Bibles Food Water Blankets
Sleeping Bags Tents
Utility Assistance
Warm Winter Clothing Transportation Assistance
Long Underwear Plus much, much more!
This Christmas Make Room for Jesus in Your Giving
How strange is it?
Many worship a homeless man on Sunday morning and then ignore the homeless on Monday. That homeless man is Jesus who also being fully God declared: “As often as you have done it to the least of these, even so you have done it to Me.”
YOU can make a BIG Difference for Good in the lives of the hurting and homeless when you partner with NLEC!
YOU can get involved TODAY! Call (314) 421-3020 to see how you can make a difference by volunteering with New Life Evangelistic Center.
You can share your gift online at: www. nlecstl.org or call (314) 421-3020 or mail to: PO Box 473 St. Louis, MO 63166
Your tax-deductible Christmas gift goes a long way at the New Life Evangelistic Center. Thousands of people have been fed, sheltered and provided blankets and other emergency assistance by New Life Evangelistic Center because of caring people like you.
True Meaning of Christmas (Cont. from pg. 1)
This four-letter word condones the injustices of state and federal officials and responses to those sincere about helping with comments like, “Yes, the homeless need to be helped, but don’t put a shelter in my neighborhood.”
Unless we honestly face the fears in our lives and deal with them, we will find ourselves this Christmas singing about the babe in the manger as we present Him with our gifts of excuses for why we can’t invite Him into our homes, churches, businesses, or government buildings for a place to stay. Didn’t Jesus Himself say, “As often as you have done it unto the least of these even so you have done it unto me.”
NLEC Search and Rescue Teams Respond to the Needs of the Unsheltered.
Many of the people who are depending on NLEC are alone with no relatives who will, or who can, help them. They are hurting and homeless who remember happy times at home with their families. But all that has been lost. They feel as if they are at the end. Having no one to turn to, not a single person to count on for help, is the saddest situation that a person can be in. If you combine fear, hunger that hurts deep in the stomach, sickness, and being dirty, cold and tired on the streets, then you can understand how desperately the
Can we really celebrate Christmas in anything less than a hypocritical fashion when we refuse to respond to the growing number of homeless people in our midst?
As a result, many a child is laid in a manger in our communities because there is no room for him or her in the inn. Christmas 1990 finds this manger in a room shared with three families because there is no apartment available that they can afford. At other times this manger is found in a vacant building, the back seat of a car, a bus stop, or a host of other places, none or which could be referred to as home… because there is no room for them in the inn. When one tries to move that manger into a particular neighborhood, inevitably a handful of
hurting and homeless need New Life. The the homeless that the NLEC Search and Rescue teams under the direction of Rev. Ray Redlich are finding daily, urgently need your help. Your gift will now be multiplied 5 times to acquire tents, sleeping bags, socks, backpacks, long johns and other emergency supplies for those trying to survive this winter.
Please earnestly pray that the items listed above, along with the provision of sandwiches, water, bus tickets, and other assistance may be provided to the homeless with the arrival of winter. In order to acquire these items which are urgently needed NLEC must raise,
people intoxicated with fear will attempt – like Herod did – to dispose of the child. The very presence of the child in the mind of the fearful poses a particular threat to their kingdoms and property values. That the Christ Child appears today in the body of a homeless man, woman, or child is without dispute when one is familiar with Matthew 25:31-46. Yet all too frequently our fears cause us to sing “Oh Come Let Us Adore Him” in our church buildings one hour and then lock our Lord out when He comes on a cold winter night in the form of a homeless man in search of a place to stay.
---by Larry Rice
“I have been struggling since 2019 when I became disabled. I lost a relationship of twenty-six years, my business, my home, and hope in my life. I moved to Washington State, to give home health to my mother who was dying from lung cancer. She also suffered from dementia. After she passed away, I moved back to Arkansas only to find my family didn’t want me around.
Bridgett
So, I moved to Springfield, MO. Only five months later I was evicted from my home. A guy with an assault rifle ran me off my dwelling at night. I learned about Sacred Hearts Warming Shelter. As I was staying at the shelter, I heard about the program at NLEC from a gentleman at the shelter. I asked the Lord to remove me from my situation. The next day I met with Pastor Mark. We sat down and talked about the program. He gave me the application to fill out. The very next day we had fellowship at Christmas dinner.
It was held at the NLEC Veteran’s Day Shelter in Springfield. I met with Chris Rice. He told me to go pack m y belongings. Two hours later we were off to Marshfield. Ten days later I was in New Bloomfield. Now I am helping in the kitchen making the sandwiches for the homeless. I have also begun to learn radio broadcasting. It is a great joy! I give thanks to the wonderful people and staff at NLEC, and especially to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!”
---Anthony
$10,000. This will provide the 600 tents, seven hundred sleeping bags, seven hundred pairs of socks, long Johns, hats, gloves, and winter coats. These items would normally cost $50,000 are now being made available to New Life Evangelistic Center for $10,000. As winter draws near, we must not forget those who have lost everything and are experiencing the worst time of their lives.
That’s why New Life is here. To serve the poor and lead the lost to Christ. Your partnership with New Life Evangelistic Center makes this possible! By letting the love of Christ flow through your partnership with New Life Evangelistic Center many will be able to celebrate
as they are provided with food, shelter, transportation assistance, warm clothing, and other emergency items they so urgently need.
This Winter New Life Evangelistic Center Is Working to Save the Lives of Those Living Outside.
“I am 71 years old, and I don’t get enough money to afford a decent place. I thank the New Life Evangelistic Center for providing this tent to protect me from rain and wind. Please pray I can find a good, clean place with a real landlord and not a despicable slum lord.”
----Patti
“I was in the hospital for an illness. I ended up being there for over a year! My doctors said I would never walk again, but God proved them wrong! I’m trying to get my life back together with God’s assistance. This sleeping bag is a big help. Please pray for me because the God that healed my legs will save me from homelessness! He is a miracle worker!”
-----Freddie
God has made it possible for NLEC to purchase 650 tents for 1/5 of their original cost. As a result your gift to NLEC multiplies 5 times!
“I had to flee my place because my roommate was an abuser. I watched in horror as his drug addiction grew and his escalation of violence and abuse grew with it. I came to the only place I knew had peace: the New Life Evangelistic Center. I pray for my abuser and I pray for God to restore me. This tent is my first step in getting back my own place again. I believe He can do all things!”
---Tindle
New Life Evangelistic Center has purchased over 650 tents and 800 Sleeping Bags to help those sleeping outside this winter. Without tents and sleeping bags, people will freeze to death or at best lose limbs without protection from the cold!
“I got stranded in Springfield coming from Tulsa, Oklahoma. My ride left me at McDonald’s and took all my belongings, including my ID and wallet. I didn’t know what to do or where to go. Finally, another homeless person told me about the New Life Evangelistic Center. I needed this sleeping bag because all the other men shelters are full. At least I won’t have to sleep on the hard ground. Please pray I can return home to my family in Tulsa, Oklahoma.”
---Michael
“I lost my home because the rent was too high. Then I lost my dogs, and my truck. I am sleeping in a tent for now and this gift of a sleeping bag from New Life Evangelistic Center will help me keep warm and comfortable. Despite my calamities, my faith in God is stronger. I know He is with me and will deliver me.” ---Karyn
“I became homeless when I got sick and couldn’t pay rent. I am now sleeping in the woods with my dog, Sammy. It is getting colder and a sleeping bag would help us to stay warm. Sammy and I thank the New Life Evangelistic Center for this big and fluffy sleeping bag!”
---Lynnette and Sammy
Christmas Greetings
From Marshfield, Missouri
KMRF Radio and the Free Store Are Active in the Community
We’re seeing God do great things through the efforts of staff in Marshfield, Missouri in its service to the community. We joined the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and attended their annual meeting recently. We were able to make many connections for KMRF Radio. KMRF is the radio station NLEC acquired in 1995 in Marshfield. Christopher L. Rice (Larry’s son) was recently made General Manager of NLEC in Marshfield and Timothy Graves is the site manager. Timothy has seen the Free Store grown 100% through his efforts on Facebook. (Route 66 New Life Free Store). The Chamber of Commerce recently joined with us in holding a ribbon cutting for the Free Store and KMRF. You can listen to the Here’s Help Radio and TV Network on the NLEC TV App, which is a free download in the App Store on your smartphone. You can also like our pages on Facebook. Please keep us in prayer as we try to add revenue through KMRF by selling ads and doing trade-outs.
---Chris L. Rice
“When I was homeless, NLEC was my safety net. They provided me with water, food and clothing. Now I can praise the Lord because He has blessed me with my own apartment! He has blessed me beyond my dreams and prayers!” ---Bridgett
I was living homeless in St. Louis. Not taking care of myself and getting very sick. When I finally got to the center in New Bloomfield, I got to a doctor, and I started taking better care of myself, for God. With the support of the other men and the prayer meetings every day, I gained more hope in the grace of Christ to move forward. I praise God that I am finally on track and where God wants me to be - as the site manager of the New Life Evangelistic Center in Marshfield, Missouri.”
---Timothy
From Springfield, Missouri
Your prayers and gifts to the New Life Springfield Veterans Coming Home Center made it possible for New Life Evangelistic Center to help between 150 to 200 homeless individuals daily. This center, which is located at 806 N. Jefferson in Springfield, provides a wide range of services to the homeless. Services include showers, free clothing, food, a place to rest, a place to do their laundry and store their belongings, and more. For further information go to www.vchcenter. org.
Joe, a United States Airforce veteran, found himself homeless. He joined NLEC’s residential leadership training program, and his life has never been the same. Joe, who honorably served our country, now serves the homeless at the
VCHC. “I am a soldier now” says Joe, “in the army of the Lord!” Joe encourages the homeless with hope, empowering them to restore their lives and to serve Our Risen King, Jesus.
“I suffer from a debilitating disease which confines me to a wheel chair. I appreciate the gifts of a sleeping bag, back pack, hygiene kit, and socks I’ve received from New Life Evangelistic Center!”
---Ivy
“Due to my uncontrollable drinking, I lost my job. Then my apartment. I couldn’t seem to put the bottle down as my life turned blacker and darker. In my darkest moment, when I had lost all hope, the NLEC Residential Leadership Training Program was my lighthouse. I joined the program, serving the lost and homeless in Springfield. I have a special place in my heart for these hurting and lonely individuals because they remind me of myself. It feels good to help and give hope.”
--Maurice
While sitting outside at a fast food place, talking to a friend, a crazy guy in a truck just drove over my legs! It was only thru the power of God, I am still alive! The New Life Evangelistic Center staff treats me with respect and love. This sleeping bag and back pack will help me sur-
vive on the streets until I get my own place. Please pray for me! ---Richard
A Life Changing Program:
Mark Glenn
(Cont. from pg. 9)
ed Covid. But God spared my life for my greatest mission. I became Pastor of the NLEC’s Veteran Coming Home Center (VCHC) in Springfield, Missouri. Operating as the only daytime shelter in Springfield, I was tasked in helping over 200 of the homeless a day, in breaking the chains of homelessness and addiction. The VCHC offered the homeless many services such as computers to search for jobs, a free clothing store, showers, and laundry, two freshly cooked meals for breakfast and lunch and the gospel of Jesus who has come to set the captives free. I also empowered several program apprentices, who were formerly homeless, who gained responsibility, discipline, direction, and purpose for their lives through Christ.
James was hopelessly addicted to crack. It ruined his life and made him homeless. He joined as an apprentice in the Residential Leadership Training Program and serves at the VCHC. “The program has resurrected my life! I have been sober for more than three years! Now I offer hope to the hopeless and empower them to change their life. To break the chains of homelessness and addiction.”
Through NLEC’s Search and Rescue Program, we found William, homeless and sleeping under a bridge. William became an apprentice in the RLTP and now serves the homeless at the VCHC. “I am a stronger man, with responsibility and discipline. I love serving the homeless, offering them services and hope thru Jesus Christ.”
Your contribution can make a difference. . . It can change the world one life at a time.
“I grew up knowing God, but somewhere in my life, I took an exit ramp. Through my alcohol, I began to lose faith in myself. My life just became unmanageable, and I met Rev. Ray Redlich at a 1411 Locust rally for NLEC. There, he told me about the Residential Training Program.
I joined to find myself and to find my God. The program has helped me in both of these areas of my life, keeping me sober and my relationship with Christ is stronger. So naturally I enjoy helping others who are homeless here in Springfield at the Veterans Coming Home Center. I have found peace with myself and with God!”
--John
“I was making minimum wage, so the threat of being homeless was ever present with every paycheck. Then, “BAM!” it happened out of nowhere! I got fired and became homeless! Like many low wage earners, I was the poster child of 1 check away from homelessness. The New Life VCHC supports me in many ways. The center has actually saved my life! I am fighting now to find a new job. The best thing about this tragedy, is that I am growing closer to God!”
Anissa
“Within a year, I lost my mom, dad, step mom, and my 2 children. Some passed away due to illness and my children died in a fire and another in a car accident. I drowned my grief with alcohol. My life was full of chaos, turmoil, and anguish. I went to jail and found Jesus! John 15:13 says, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.’ I laid my life down as a soldier in the US Aemy and this Scripture revealed to me how Jesus laid down His life for me. Now I lay my life down for Our Risen King! Homeless after prison, I have received help and hope from the New Life VCHC.
James
“My wife and I began moving to Springfield to start a new life. But we lost $1,000 from a pretend landlord who scammed us. This lost devastated us and forced us to live in our car. Despite these calamities, Christ, my Anchor, holds us together through this storm. The New Life VCHC offers us hope through hot showers, clean clothes, and fresh food.”
---James E.
“I found myself living on the streets of St. Louis. It was really tough with lots of hard, unexpected trials. I lived in one of the most dangerous camps in downtown St. Louis. NLEC saved my life by helping me get off the streets. I am learning how to cope with my problems in a healthy way. I am growing closer to God, and I feel like I am on the right track. I love my work, because I can learn new skills and allow my body to heal properly. NLEC is a great program, and I am thankful I am here.”
---Malachi
Exploring Major Themes
in the Zoa Free Paper
(Cont. from pg. 5)
easily found and too often neglected. Most importantly they are not just theories or grand ideals but they make up ortho-praxy, or correct action.
Another theme that has rung loud and clear is that of Kinetic Community, or Community not for its own sake but for Service. NLEC is a community that pools all of its finances, properties, and vehicles among its members enabling them all to serve full time in ministry. There are many Christian Communities across America today. Many Christians are making their homes in Community
and finding the lifestyle refreshing and exciting. They enjoy the family atmosphere and the regular engagement with other Christians. But not as many communities are engaged in full time ministry in evangelism and in identification with the poor. The Zoa paper has always expressed the importance of the Community keeping its vision by moving onward and upward in service. One of Larry Rice’s favorite mottos has always been “avoid stagnation.”
As the visionary for NLEC he has always considered it his job to keep things changing and moving. In his mind its been better to err trying to do good that to err by doing nothing at all. Some of his most memorable activities, such as sleeping outside of City Hall in cardboard boxes or moving into the old City Hospital did not achieve immediate success, but instead sowed the seeds of discontent that later bloomed into real social change.
The last theme that’s run through the
fabric of the Zoa’s message is that we should maintain a Conservative Biblical theology with a “liberal” understanding of ministry. The leaders at NLEC all believe very literally in the Bible and in the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their Biblical theology could be called fundamentalist. But their practical understanding of Biblical application especially as it relates to ministry sadly places them a world away from their fellow Conservatives. They are not liberal as the word is most often understood in the media or among the general public. Perhaps Karl Barth’s definition of liberal as “one who thinks responsibly backwards and forwards” is more fitting. Not unlike the “neo-orthodox” theologians Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer they are often misunderstood by liberals and conservatives alike and receive criticism from both sides. Many Evangelical Christians appreciate Channel 24’s evangelistic witness but can’t stand it when Larry goes on and on about doing away with the death penalty or caring for the earth by getting off the grid. At the same time liberal Christians appreciate NLEC’s social advocacy but regard their need to save everyone’s soul as inane and archaic.
These are some of the distinguishing ideas that have underpinned many of the articles in the Zoa paper. If you’ve only read one Zoa or aren’t very familiar with NLEC perhaps this article can help
you wade through some of the muddle. There are a lot of unique things about this work and it would almost seem NLEC is working to defy its own categories sometimes. Just bear in mind that NLEC’s main goal is obedience to the Spirit of God, and only He knows where that will lead.
by Chris L Rice, OFS
What Would You Do ?
What would you do if you knew you had it all. Look what Jesus did in John 13:3,4: ‘’ Jesus knew that the Father had given Him everything and that He had come from God and would return to God. And how he loved His disciples! So He got up from the supper table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His loins, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel He had around Him.’’
Jesus demonstrated that real power manifested itself through direct service. Paul in Philippians 2:1,3,5-8 promises some very practical points on how to implement such service (foot washing). ‘’Is there any such thing as Christians cheering
each other up? Do you love me enough to want to help?... Are your hearts tender and sympathetic at all? Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Your attitude should be the kind that was shown by Jesus Christ, who though He was God, did not demand and glory, taking the disguise of a laid aside His mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men, and He humbled Himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross.’’ Now in a world filled with so many needs, we have the opportunity reach out and let His love flow through us, directly helping those in need.
most important time. Our Christ Child was born.
I think about how he lived his life. It is overwhelming and comforting at the same time. Most of my blood family have passed away, but I keep them in my heart, the good and meaningful times. I am 69 on New Years Eve and thankful for my good health and mental health as well. Thank you, God & Jesus.
Kansas
----Victor Roy Miller #84131 Lansing,
NEW LIFE SAFE HOUSES FOR WOMEN IN NEED
“Coming to New Life Evangelistic Center was truly guidance from God. I was evicted from my apartment for not being able to afford my rent. I was then asked to leave the job I had held for the past year. When a friend invited me to ride as a passenger on his 18-wheel semi-truck.
“I accepted and stayed with him for 10 months. The difficulty with this was I not able to see my kids and family because we were constantly traveling. I was also in need of seeing a doctor to renew needed medications.
I was able to reach St. Louis by bus and stayed with friends for a week but was unable to find a place to stay long-term. Turning to God, I prayed a fervent plea for guidance and direction. God placed before me the phone number of NLEC.
When I called in I was told that I if I could get there in the early afternoon, I would have a place to stay for seven days. When I reached NLEC, I was interviewed and met Rev. Rice.
I was put to work completing a mailing and then sent to my safe house. God helped me find my purpose giving me the direction to NLEC where I was welcomed with open arms and
a sense of well-being. I love it here and everyone involved!”
---Julie
“Before I came to New Life Evangelistic Center and joined the Residential Leadership Training Program I was sleeping outside. I am happy to be a part of the New Life Community and thank God for leading me to it.
---Deborah
“I had driven from Columbus, Ohio to Fenton, Missouri around the end of July on a leap of faith. I had submitted my story to a ministry about giving a child up for adoption and documenting the first time that I had gone on a Walk for Life back in Ohio. Because they wanted to use my story about God’s redeeming grace, I felt like the Lord wanted me in Missouri. I was living out of my car Door Dashing for food and gas. I had been in the area and had a flyer given to me about NLEC. In the beginning of September,
I had a car accident and totaled my car, everything I owned was in that car. I came to NLEC after leaving the hospital. They were able to help me get my things out of my car, which was quite costly with towage and storage fees. If it hadn’t been for this organization, I would have lost everything. New Life Evangelistic Center has given me new life, and a new hope for the future. I want to help further this ministry in any way that I can. I believe, there are no mistakes in God’s world. Even though I thought the Lord was opening doors for me to share my story, it’s not the way that I thought it would be. I believe that that’s where my faith and trusting the process comes into play. I have always had a heart for the homeless. I am so very grateful to the Lord for NLEC.”
---Denise
“Now that I am at New Life Evangelistic Center, I feel like this is my calling. I have grown closer to God. I love seeing when God helps others and myself. I am not lucky, I am blessed. Everything I have is because of God’s grace and favor.” ---Angela
“I became homeless in 2020. I lived in an apartment once in a while. Between September and November of 2023. I was kicked out. I left an abusive friendship that had been going on for 15+ years. I finally went to the Veterans Coming Home Center in Springfield, MO. I started going there to eat, use the free store, I would serve and do chores. The last part of January, I heard about the Residential Leadership Training Program for women, applied, and was accepted! I have been here in Overland since the first of February. I feel so blessed to be here – and I’m so happy and thankful – for not being homeless anymore. God has done so much for me. Thank you, so much. God bless you!! ---Tammy
After becoming part of the Residential Leadership Training Program, Cora declares, “I am so very thankful for the family I have found at New Life!”
Since 2017 the NLEC Safe House Program has saved thousands of lives of battered and hopeless women. Homeless women are one of the most vulnerable members of our communities. New Life Evangelistic Center offers help and hope by offering a safe sanctuary and refuge for them. These safe houses provide refuge to 3 to 5 women at a time. They are a safe place to flee from the streets, the drugs, or aggressive abusers. They offer love and support to women suffering from horrible experiences and trauma. These Safe Houses are a lifeline to the most desperate in our communities. So many women have experienced the love of Jesus Christ through the community and support of NLEC’s Safe House Program.
“In a desperate attempt to flee from an abusive situation I was forced to live homeless on the streets, without work, family, or support. This led me down a dark path of prostitution, drugs, and alcohol. As a result, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I felt completely lost, with no sense of direction. With no place to live, I was forced to sleep in trash cans and abandoned buildings and bathe in public restrooms.
That was when I heard about The New Life Evangelistic Center’s Safe House and Residential Leadership Training Program. Coming to the safe house transformed my life. At the NLEC safe house I received a warm meal, a safe place to sleep and a much- needed shower. I was greeted with kindness, love, understanding, and numerous opportunities. I am so excited and grateful for the chance to change my life and walk with Christ Jesus.”
---Antoinette
The Value in Faith-based Community
“Mental illness is a Sleeping Giant. It comes and goes in waves, peaks and valleys. There are years and years without incident that can lull one into thinking the turmoil of the past was just that, the past. The onset of new, untriggered episodes can be subtle that by the time you truly understand your life is in danger, you are too far gone. Here at New Life Evangelistic Center I have found great spiritual value living within a faith based community serving a common goal of helping others on the path of hardship. It is an inspiration to witness first hand regular God fearing folk hard at work to fulfill the Gospel’s teaching, to love one another and to truly be each other’s Keeper. Thank you NLEC!”
---Portia
Christmas Greetings
New Life Evangelistic Center provides men who are homeless opportunities to receive shelter and training in New Bloomfield, Missouri. Each day the participants start with Bible reading and prayer to help them get on the right path with God. Then the men learn how to work together in many areas.
One area is with New Life Charolais Farms, which is located at the Mid-America Care Center. There, the homeless men learn responsibility to feed and water the cattle. In addition to Charolais Farms, there is Missouri Renewable Energy which includes projects such as Dome Homes, Solar Energy, Wind Energy, and the Earth Home.
New Bloomfield is also the location for the Here’s Help Radio Network. The radio station broadcasting into New Bloomfield, KNLC broadcasts to KNLH in Cedar Hill, MO and KNLN in Vienna, MO as well as KNLP in Potosi, MO.
At the New Bloomfield Training Center, the homeless men have the opportunity to make a new start in life. As II Corinthians 3:14 says, “If any man be in Christ, they are a new creation, the old has passed
away, and the new has come.”
“Without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I would not be here. I began the program at NLEC a couple of years ago. I have had challenges, but through the challenges I have grown closer to God. I am praying every day, reading the scriptures. The Lord has lifted the burden off my shoulders and eased my pain. Listening to the music, as I work at the Here’s Help Radio Network, my soul has mended. God heals the hurt, crushed spirit of man.”
---Andre
“I have been at NLEC for four years now and my life has really changed for the better! I have gotten closer to God, and I am working with the cattle with John and taking on responsibility more and more every day, . NLEC is a very good place to be, it has really changed my life for the better!”
---Scott
from New Bloomfield, MO
“I am thankful for New Life Evangelistic Center for caring when I lost my job and became homeless. New Life Evangelistic Center gave me the chance to learn all about radio. Now I am able to help train others in radio. At New Life I have had the opportunity to help others become closer to God. When I had lost all hope, NLEC gave me hope and helped me become stronger in my Faith so I am able to help others in so many ways. It really feels good when I am able to help others when I used to be the one needing help. I give God all Praise for NLEC and for all those who care and share with New Life Evangelistic Center to make it all possible.”
---Carl Benham
“I was homeless when I came to New Life Evangelistic Center. Since I have been here the Holy Spirit has turned my life around to live for God. I have found Peace and Joy that only comes through God’s Love. Before I came to NLEC I was unhappy and broken in my spirit with no hope for the future. But Priase God for His Son, Jesus, I have a new relationship with the Lord. NLEC has given me Hope because of what Jesus did for me on the cross!”
---Roger
“Eight years ago, I was just released from prison. I was a Coast Guard Veteran, but now I was homeless. The Spirit led me to NLEC Ministries. I felt that I could return the blesing by training men here in New Bloomfield to raise cattle and develop aquaponics. This has been a great experience, but the most important thing is witnessing and spreading the good news, that Christ is Risen.”
---John
“Ignorance and disobedience to God resulted in my becoming homeless. I thought I knew it all until one day I couldn’t help myself out of the situation I was in. I fell behind on my rent. That one month turned into two months and before I knew it I lost a good job due to Covid, and never could find another job that paid enough for me to pay my bills. I ended up homeless, and then I found New Life Evangelistic Center. Now I have a new job and home.”
---Dion
“…Open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and the poor…’’ (Deuteronomy 15:11).
People of faith are needed who will pray and work with their heart, mind, soul and strength for the glory of God, allowing His Holy Spirit to transform their hands into hands of love and compassion, power and purpose. In Mark 3:1-5, Jesus meets and heals a man with a paralyzed hand. But like this man whom Jesus met. We need to be healed and strengthened by the supernatural power of God before we can grapple with the tasks at hand in 2025 and the burdens and opportunities awaiting us in 2026. If such strength is not there, many will go hungry, homeless and without, because the people God has given the resources will not in faith share them. But how can cowardly people who are hiding in their big homes, never helping anyone, be healed? Jesus shows through His example of healing this man. When Jesus said to the man, ’Stretch out your hand’, the man did
not make excuses. He held out his hand in obedience to the command of Christ and was healed.
Now Jesus is telling you to stretch out and open wide your hands and to help those in need. In order to do this, we must be healed from a paralysis of fear. This happens through a realization of who Jesus Is and how He promises to help us.
NEW LIFE EVANGELISTIC CENTER INDIA
The children at our New Life schools are busy writing their tests at the school. The children are doing great, and they are all regularly attending the schools with interest and getting good grades in their exams. I am sharing just a few of these photos with you. MANY THANKS to you Rev Rice for all your kind help for the needy children in India.
---Pastor Paparao
For decades,
New Life Evangelistic
Center has offered the love of Jesus Christ in Kakinada India. NLEC
has built orphanages for destitute orphans, and schools for the underserved poor. They have provided food for the hungry and clothing for the naked. Over 200 pastors have been trained and sent forth to preach the gospel in word and deed. NLEC provides medical care to lepers and food and water to widows on the streets.
Greetings in Jesus’ Precious Name
I thank you for all your kindness towards the poor and needy in India. Because of your kind support, we are conducting New Life lunch program for the children who are attending our New Life school from nearby slums, untouchable communities, fishing communities, homeless families, etc. If we do not provide lunch, they will not eat. Our New Life schools are giving new life to thousands of children with education, food, medical care, etc. We are continuously rescuing children from trafficking, stone quarries, brick laying factories, etc. ---Pastor Paparao, Kakinada, India
You can support the work that New Life Evangelistic Center is doing in India with Pastor Paparao by designating your gifts to “India”.
Send your gift to:
New Life Evangelistic Center PO Box 473 St. Louis, MO 63166.
For more information about the work God is doing in India, please call (314) 421-3020.
Our custom in the United States is to thank God each Fall for his blessing in providing bread from the earth. With the arrival of Winter and, the season when we marvel at the love shown to us in the gift of God’s son to us. The love of God constantly surrounds us and, moves us to also be generous in giving to others.
We are blessed to live in a county where each of us has the opportunity to participate in our government. Much debate will soon be had on the welfare programs of the United States. It is being said that the government is attempting to do too much and is not helping the poor properly. A serious limitation to the government welfare programs is that they cannot give their aid in the name of Jesus. New Life Evangelistic Center can and does give help in the name of Jesus.
Provision has already been made whereby we can shift some of our tax dollars to charities, such as New Life Evangelistic Center, for aiding those in need. The charitable deduction for income tax and estate tax purpose allows each of us to designate which agency shall receive our money for the purpose of providing food to the hungry and shelter to the homeless.
Many people are not aware of the various tax benefits available through charitable giving. A person may give highly appreciated assets to a charity without incurring a capital gains tax and, retain the income from the assets-life. This enables people to diversify their investments prove their life time income while giving the remainder to charity .New Life Evangelistic Center qualifies as a charity for tax purposes and is willing to cooperate with those interested in sophisticated forms of charitable giving.
For more information call Terry at (314) 787-7282.
Divinity in Diapers
It is inconceivable that the creator of all would engage in such downward mobility to the extent the divine would be in diapers. Heaven’s representative, an angel of the Lord of Hosts declared, in Luke 2:10-12, “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
The divinity in diapers caused such a sensation in heaven that there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:13,14).
The cry of the baby marked the turning point of the universe. Suddenly God was no longer at a distance. He was now approachable, available. He had chosen to manifest Himself in a human body in a small town called Bethlehem.
This manifestation was not in the palaces of kings, nor in the chambers of priests. Instead, Jesus the Savior of mankind was born in a stable and laid in a manger. A manger surrounded by conditions that were less than sanitary. Why would the Son of God become Divinity in Diapers, born as a homeless child? He did this because He loved us and gave His life to redeem us. John 3:16
When it comes to giving... Why choose New Life Evangelistic Center?
1. Because of its dedicated staff who enable your gift to go much further to help those in need.
2. At NLEC more is provided than three hots and a cot. The homeless receive residential job training programs, safe houses, and more to help them be set free from the cycle of homelessness.
3. New Life does more than just put bandaids on deep social problems. It meets the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the complete person.
These are just three reasons why you should choose to share your tax-deductible gift with New Life Evangelistic Ctner at PO box 473, St. Louis, MO 63166 or give online at www.nlecstl.org.
